A WorkCover NSW Task Force will commence visits to over 60 glass manufacturing businesses throughout Sydney, the Hunter and Illawarra regions in a bid to improve the safety of the industry.

 

The Task Force has been formed following a number of workplace fatalities.

 

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, John Watson, said the spike in incidents could be due to a number of factors including the high Australian dollar and businesses buying direct from overseas manufacturers.

“There are a number of risks associated with the manufacturing, storage and handling of glass,” Mr Watson said.

“Over the three years to 2011, there were two deaths and 431 injuries and illnesses in the glass and glass product manufacturing industry at a cost of $7 million to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme.”

 

Visits will take place over the next three weeks. During the visits inspectors will also provide advice and assistance on workers compensation, injury management and return to work policies and procedures.



Further information on the storage and handling of glass is available on the WorkCover website, including the Handling Glass Safely Poster, Storage and Handling of Glass Sheets Safety Alert and the Working with Sheet Materials Safety Alert or by calling 13 10 50.