Coverforce calls for safer workplaces this National Safe Work Month

Insurance broker Coverforce is urging all employers and workers to commit to improving workplace health and safety (WHS) in Australian workplaces this National Safe Work Month to mitigate the extensive financial and operational risks poor WHS practices can bring.

Statistics from Work Safe Australia showed that 111,200 serious claims are made each year. Twenty-four per cent of these claims were from labourers, and roughly $543m is paid in workers’ compensation each year for work-related mental conditions.

Coverforce also noted that work-related injury and disease are also costing the Australian economy $61.8bn each year.

But while the national campaign is a great way to raise awareness about the importance of WHS, Coverforce said “building a safer workplace should be a priority for employers all year round.”

“Implementing safe work practices in your workplace can both protect workers from injury and improve the long-term success of your business through higher work productivity,” Coverforce said.

Coverforce dispensed some tips to improve health and safety in the workplace:

• Design work according to the demands of the job, the working environment, the equipment required, and the skills needed to carry out the job safely, to weed out potential hazards and risks;
• Only use quality tools and equipment that fit the job and suit the workplace;
• Replace damaged or outdated equipment and schedule regular maintenance for machinery; and
• Conduct regular risk assessments and ensure the right controls are in place if any risks are identified.