Safety Inspectors 'Out in Force' as Victoria Begins to Reopen

Safety inspectors will be “out in force” to ensure Victorian employers that have been shut down or under work-from-home arrangements are meeting their health and safety obligations, the state regulator says.

WorkSafe Victoria said obligations include training and instructing staff on how to complete tasks and use equipment safely, and ensuring equipment and machinery is restarted in line with manufacturer specifications.

Employers must also provide adequate supervision and instruction to all staff where work practices have changed and for any new staff that might be unfamiliar with the workplace.

Every inspection will include an assessment of COVID-19 preparedness to ensure businesses have social distancing, good hygiene practices and a COVID-safe work plan.

Since the pandemic started, WorkSafe Victoria inspectors have made more than 15,000 workplace visits and enquiries to ensure COVID-19 compliance and issued more than 460 notices for COVID-19 related health and safety failures.

Common issues have been workers not working from home where possible, inadequate personal protective equipment, failing to enforce social distancing, poor hygiene controls, lack of health screening and not having procedures for when an employee tests positive.

WorkSafe Victoria Health and Safety Executive Director Julie Nielsen said employers had to remember all their health and safety obligations as businesses reopen.

“Employers should take the time to review their health and safety processes and consult with their workers or health and safety representatives about controls in place to keep everyone safe.”

Ms Nielsen said employers that fail to protect their workers and the public will face tough penalties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

“We are urging employers; don’t be complacent, don’t rush, take health and safety seriously and ensure you meet your obligations,” she said.

Considerations for employers reopening workplaces:

• Appropriate controls to manage the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Removing risks such as trip or fall hazards.
• Ensuring training is up to date for all returning staff.
• Providing adequate supervision and instruction to all staff where work practices have changed and for any new staff that might be unfamiliar with the workplace.
• Ensuring plant and equipment is restarted safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.