Inspection program for furniture (cabinet making) industry begins next month
Issue Date: - Tuesday, 5 August 2008
WorkSafe will launch an inspection campaign in the furniture (cabinet making) industry next month with a view to reducing injuries and disease in the sector.
The campaign will involve inspectors visiting a sample group of furniture making businesses to identify any common safety risks and providing information to employers on how to comply with occupational safety and health requirements.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today the campaign was being discussed with the industry to make it aware of what will take place.
“The Cabinet Makers’ Association and unions will be consulted, and letters will be sent to around 700 furniture makers informing them of the upcoming campaign,” Ms Lyhne said.
“This campaign is part of an ongoing program of proactive inspections in industries that – due to particular injury risks – are considered to warrant some special attention.
“The manufacturing industry – under which the cabinet making sector falls – has the highest number of lost-time injuries of all WA industries. Around 67 people employed in the cabinet making sector are injured each year seriously enough to have to take time off work.
“These campaigns are aimed at raising awareness of the potential risks and providing employers with information on their responsibilities, but if the inspectors find breaches of the workplace safety laws, they will take enforcement action.”
A team of WorkSafe inspectors will undertake the inspections over the period from September to December, visiting a random selection of workplaces in both metropolitan and regional areas of the State.
They will conduct the inspections with the aid of a checklist to ensure that a consistent approach is taken.
Areas that will be looked at during the inspections include:
• Electrical – all electrical equipment is in good repair and RCDs are in use where they are required;
• Hazardous substances – proper labeling and registers, risk assessments;
• Manual handling – control measures in place and training given;
• Guarding of machinery; and
• Instruction, training and supervision of workers.
“Apart from the priority areas common to most workplaces, this campaign will pay particular attention to the correct use of powered saws and the storage of timber and large wooden sheets,” Ms Lyhne said.
“Back in March a 22-year-old apprentice cabinet maker tragically lost his life when he was crushed under a stack of large timbers in a furniture factory in Malaga, and this has prompted particular attention to the issue of stacking of materials in factories.
“Proactive inspection campaigns such as this one aim to make everyone more aware of the hazards in their workplaces so the risk of injuries is lessened.”
Further information on safety issues such as manual handling and guarding of machinery can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.