Work-related deaths up
The Age
Thursday November 19, 2009
VICTORIA has experienced the highest number of work-related deaths for eight years, after a recent rise in 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 €” up seven on 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 €” workers rushed to finish projects before the summer shutdown, Mr Birt said, and then to catch up.A recent Victorian Trades Hall Council survey found that nearly 80 per cent of safety representatives had reported a fall in standards since the global financial 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. There was a low of 18 in 2005, with 21 last year, but the general trend has been for a reduction in fatalities.
© 2009 The Age
