AN Australian-first toolkit to improve safety for labour hire workers, including a worker guide and a self-assessment checklist for businesses, has been launched as part of the ‘Protecting Workers At Risk’ themed SafeWork Month.

October is Safe Work Month in NSW and employers and workers are reminded to stop and think about their workplaces and work practices.

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leading causes of work-related injuries are overexertion and bodily reaction, slips, trips and falls, and contact with objects and equipment.

SafeWork NSW Director of Compliance and Dispute Resolution, Tony Williams, said the ‘Labour Hire’ toolkit would help reduce the rates of serious injuries and incidents by providing businesses with a baseline of WHS expectations relating to the use of labour hire workers.

“Workers in labour hire are estimated to represent more than three per cent of the NSW workforce and while it is critical business have the opportunity for flexibility, it is imperative all precautions are taken on safety,” Mr Williams said.

“Labour hire workers can find themselves working in different businesses where known hazards are variable.

“They are also likely to be more reluctant to speak out due to fear of not securing further work.

“These workers are typically found in construction, agriculture, manufacturing and health and aged care, and we have translated this kit into four languages, ensuring workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds have access to the information.

“The kit is made up a number of resources, including a self-assessment checklist for labour hire businesses, a checklist to ensure the suitability of the host business, and an induction checklist for aged-care agency workers.”

SafeWork NSW is undertaking a number of programs throughout SafeWork month which will include a Mentally Healthy Workplaces Ambassador forum, and inspectors in regional NSW visiting manufacturers and suppliers of agriculture equipment and machinery.

“SafeWork NSW is not an organisation who only appear at your workplace after an incident.

“Our inspectors undertake around 34,000 workplace visits to NSW businesses every year to help improve workplace safety,” Mr Williams said.

“When we undertake a site visit this month, we are focusing on improving safety around forklifts as well as falls risks and COVID compliance.

“While dangerous practices will be specifically addressed, the conversation is largely around safer ways of working.

“SafeWork month is our chance to focus on workplace safety – we want your business and your workplace to examine what a safer workplace looks like and I encourage every workplace to start that conversation today,” Mr Williams said.

By Marian SAMPSON