WorkSafe Victoria has announced a week-long workplace safety blitz in Warrnambool, in the state’s south west coast.

Beginning Monday this week, WorkSafe inspectors will begin their campaign in Warnambool under the ‘Safe Towns’ initiative, which involves teams of inspectors visiting regional areas to check on health ands safety compliance.

Specialised WorkSafe Return to Work Inspectors will also take part to ensure workplaces with workers’ compensation claims are meeting their obligations.

WorkSafe Regional Director, Adam Rogers, said it was in everyone’s interest to make changes sooner rather than later.

“Find the hazards, assess the risks and fix the problem before it’s too late,” he said.

“We want businesses to look at their workplaces from a fresh perspective and find new ways to address basic issues.”

“Getting on top of health and safety issues in the workplace is good for business and ensures workers return home safely at the end of the day."

WorkSafe statistics show there were more than 220 injury claims in the Warrnambool region last year. Almost half of all the reported injuries during this period involved a musculoskeletal injury such as back injuries, sprains and strains, fractures and dislocations.