With the school holidays coming to an end and many of the region’s workers returning from holidays, WorkCover NSW is encouraging South Coast workers to make it is a safe start to the year.
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WorkCover is particularly targeting younger workers who may be tempted to take more risks to impress or don’t feel comfortable speaking up about safety issues.
WorkCover’s Bega district co-ordinator, Donna Salway was at Imlay House nursing home, Pambula on Thursday, January 23 where several young people employed in a variety of roles, were demonstrating their knowledge of safety procedures.
Imlay House general manager, Helen Ellwood said: “Safety first is our motto and we are committed to preventing injuries, particularly among younger workers who have their career and life ahead of them.
“Our comprehensive induction program ensures new starters understand their workplace safety rights and obligations, and are encouraged to report any safety hazards. We also provide ongoing training to all staff in manual handling safety.”
Ms Salway said: “The return to work period at the end of the school holidays requires extra caution on the part of businesses and workers due to the risk of injury from lack of concentration or complacency.”
She said 12 per cent of all injuries in NSW workplaces occurred among the state’s young workers during 2011/12 with 19,561 workplace injuries and seven fatalities, including 148 incidents on the South Coast.
Ms Salway said: “That’s why it’s essential that businesses in the region provide appropriate training and supervision to young workers through induction programs and safety training, so that they understand the business’s safety policies and procedures, and are able to speak up about safety issues.”