WORKSAFE Victoria has launched a safety campaign encouraging tradespeople to use the right tool for the job.
The campaign was launched at the Western Bulldog’s coaches’ review breakfast.
According to WorkSafe Victoria, tools used on construction sites across Victoria every day are involved in a third of all construction worker injuries.
Ladders, scaffolds, nailguns, saws and grinders are common elements in injury claim reports.
WorkSafe Victoria says tradespeople need to think about the tools and equipment they need to do a job safely, and make sure they’ve got them on hand before they start the job.
For example, a carpenter erecting a wall frame at a housing site needs to plan ahead to use a saw bench so they are not working on the ground cutting all the timbers. Nail and ramset guns need to be in good working order and guards in place on circular saws.
The campaign focuses on subcontractors, builders, site supervisors and apprentices working in the domestic construction industry.
It will be spearheaded by a program of inspector visits to make sure tools and equipment that are to be used for the job are suitable for the task.