Inspectors team up to spread safety message

WorkSafe, Department of Health and Labour Hire Authority inspectors have visited more than 40 Sunraysia grape growers to help businesses trim safety hazards during the busy pruning season.

The three-day inspection program in the Robinvale area late last month was designed to ensure growers were complying with occupational health and safety regulations, staying COVID-safe and supporting vulnerable workers.

WorkSafe inspectors issued 28 improvement notices to duty holders at eight of the 27 properties they inspected.

WorkSafe Regional Operations Director Western Region Trevor Butler said among the most common safety issues were improper guarding on tractor power take-offs and other machinery; a lack of rollover protection and maintenance on quad bikes; and inadequate labelling and storage of chemicals.

"Many of the improvements required were relatively small changes that would result in big safety improvements," Mr Butler said.

"These visits provided an opportunity for employers to review their business and, with the help of inspectors, identify areas where they need to make improvements to ensure that anyone who enters their workplace is not exposed to risks to their health and safety."

Department of Health inspectors visited 11 properties as part of the joint agency program, issuing four improvement notices.

Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner Steve Dargavel said the Authority visited 21 properties with a focus on education, checking providers had COVIDSafe plans and looking at their licence status and conditions for labour hire workers.

"By working with growers and labour hire providers to ensure they are meeting their obligations, we are helping to ensure this region is a safe and fair place to work," Mr Dargavel said.

"Our compliance and enforcement officers were well received by growers who provided information about their labour hire providers."

The Robinvale inspection program follows joint-agency visits to orchards and packing sheds in Shepparton in February, where inspectors from the three agencies visited almost 40 properties.

WorkSafe Media: 0438 786 968 media_team@worksafe.vic.gov.au

Labour Hire Authority Media: 0448 815 436 communications@labourhireauthority.vic.gov.au