WorkSafe Victoria was proud to re-partner with the Geelong Manufacturing Council (GMC) to bring local manufacturers together for a focused conversation on workplace safety.
WorkSafe’s Alex Finlay (Senior Ergonomist) and Jeremy Comben (Senior Engineer) shared key insights on priority risks in manufacturing, including those associated with the proliferation of automation and robotics, hazardous manual handling and psychosocial hazards.
Top safety takeaways:
- Consult with workers and health and safety representatives to identify hazards and apply the hierarchy of control.
- Redesign tasks to reduce strain and address psychosocial factors.
- When introducing automation, identify and assess potential new hazards and risks.
- Engage with workers and involve them in the design process and consider the broader impact on your team.
Free safety check up for small–medium businesses
The OHS Essentials Program offers free, confidential advice from an independent OHS consultant.
Sunset Sleepers – a small manufacturing business – joined he program to protect their growing team. The results? Increased confidence, smoother operations, and a lasting safety culture. Read their story.
Your Safety Toolkit:
- Manual Handling Resources – guides, tools, videos
- Manufacturing Safety Hub – industry-specific safety information
- Psychological Health – the latest information about psychological health, including updates about new regulations, tools and resources
- OHS Essentials Program – free safety consulting.
- Sign up to the Manual handling updates newsletter – for the latest safety tips and training direct to your inbox.
By using WorkSafe’s free programs and resources, GMC’s manufacturers can reduce risk, strengthen safety culture, and protect their most valuable asset – their people.