Increase in work-related deaths

November 19, 2009


VICTORIA has experienced the highest number of work-related deaths for eight years after a recent jump in the number of fatalities.

Since the start of October seven people have died at work, including a 48-year-old man who was hit by a forklift last week while delivering turf to a home near Lake Eildon.

His death brought to 25 the number of people who have died so far this year - an increase of seven compared with the same time last year.

WorkSafe Victoria spokesman Michael Birt said the lead-up to Christmas, and the return from holidays, were often the most dangerous times of year for injuries and fatalities.

The period before Christmas was risky as workers rushed to finish projects before the summer shutdown, Mr Birt said.

Farming and smaller construction jobs were among the most dangerous activities.

Unions say the global financial crisis has been a factor, with a recent Victorian Trades Hall Council survey finding that nearly 80 per cent of safety representatives reported a fall in standards since the crisis started.

Trades Hall occupational health and safety campaigns officer Margot Hoyte said there was a risk that the move to national safety laws could erode standards further.

In 1999 the number of work-related deaths was 39 and that reached a low of 18 in 2005 and was 21 last year but the general trend has been for a reduction in fatalities.


Written By: BEN SCHNEIDERS