Fresh round of grants offered to develop practical solutions to protect workers
The Victorian government is offering grants of up to $300,000 to projects that aim to prevent hazards and improve safety in manufacturing workplaces.
The funding, offered under the WorkSafe Grants programme, will be given to projects that improve safety, build skills and awareness around risks, as well as support collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the industry.
"This grant funding round will support solutions that make the biggest difference and have the greatest impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of Victorian workers in the manufacturing industry," WorkSafe said on its website.
Employers, community or local groups, and employee or employer associations may apply for the grant funding December 3, according to the state government.
"Through these WorkSafe grants, we're empowering businesses to develop practical solutions that protect workers from both current and emerging safety risks as our manufacturing sector rapidly grows," said Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll in a statement.
Manufacturing a priority industry
Victoria's manufacturing industry employs around eight per cent of the state's workforce.
It is a priority industry for targeted enforcement and harm prevention after emerging as one of Victoria's highest-risk industries for deaths and injuries.
According to WorkSafe, common causes include body stress, being hit by falling or moving objects, as well as falls, trips, and slips.
The manufacturing industry also accounted for more than one in 10 WorkCover claims accepted in the last financial year.
It has also accepted more than 2,000 claims from manufacturing workers so far this year, according to government data.
"As part of WorkSafe's strategy to reduce workplace fatalities and injuries, we're focusing on priority industries, such as manufacturing, where the most harm is occurring," said WorkSafe Chief Executive Officer Ash West.
