WORKSAFE WA will begin a three-month targeted inspection campaign on slips, trips and falls in September 2009.
According to WorkSafe WA, the campaign will focus on identifying risk factors for slips, trips and falls across a range of industries, including health, education, manufacturing, construction, retail, wholesale, transport and service.
WorkSafe WA says slips, trips and falls are responsible for a significant number of injuries in workplaces, with more than 3700 WA workers each year suffering an injury from a slip, trip or fall in the workplace.
Approximately 20% of all worker’s compensation claims in WA are for slips, trips and falls in workplaces, and that these injuries result in an average of 76 to 81 days off work.
WorkSafe WA claims the primary aim of the inspection program will be to increase awareness of slips, trips and falls hazards. Inspectors will identify the primary risk factors if they find hazards, allowing appropriate control measures.
WorkSafe inspectors will also investigate any slip, trips and falls incidents which occur within the period of the campaign, in order to identify the risk factors that may have contributed to the incident.
The work safety authority has developed a checklist to ensure that a consistent approach is used by inspectors investigating incidents.