With 70 serious workplace injuries costing the industry $1.4 million in the past three years, wood manufacturing in Hunter, New South Wales is one of the most high risk industries in the region.
The alarming number of accidents has prompted WorkCover NSW to urge Hunter manufacturers to undergo further training in safety practices.
“WorkCover’s encouraging wood manufacturing businesses in the Hunter region to look at our website, look at the resources available to assist and provide guidance on practical measures they can implement into their workplace,” said WorkCover Newcastle acting team coordinator Nathan Hamilton, quoted in an article on ABC News.
Mr. Hamilton said the industry is high risk and employers need to take steps to make workplaces safer.
“The seventy injuries that occurred in the Hunter region is certainly a high number that we need to work together with the industry to reduce,” Mr. Hamilton said.
“The risks are manageable if the practical tools and assistance developed by WorkCover are implemented.”
WorkCover NSW is part of the Safety, Return to Work and Support Division (SRWSD) which was formed under the Safety, Return to Work and Support Board Act 2012 on 1 August 2012.
Aside from work, health and safety, WorkCover also handles licensing and registration, workers compensation insurance and benefits and the sustainable return to employment for injured workers.
