September’s second fatality takes workplace death toll to 16

A 45-year-old man was crushed and killed by sheets of glass last Thursday at West Heidelberg.
WorkSafe is investigating the incident which happened when the man was working alone after hours. He was found by family members after he did not come home.
It’s believed he may have been using a crane to move the glass when it fell at the business in Kolora Road. The cause of the fall isn’t known.
The incident is the second fatality this month. On 1 September a man was crushed when a one-tonne bag of salt fell from a stack and crushed him at Stanhope in the state’s north.
WorkSafe’s Executive Director John Merritt said both incidents sent a strong message to businesses, supervisors and workers to ensure consistently high safety standards and maintenance were applied.
“Safety isn’t just a job for WorkSafe. It’s a job for everyone in the workplace and the wider community.
“So far this year, there have been 17 deaths, but each year nearly 30,000 people suffer serious, many potentially fatal or long-lasting, injuries at work in Victoria.
Mr Merritt said the potential for serious injury or death was often not recognised with people relying on their skill or experience to ensure their survival.
“Now is the time to start thinking and acting on potential safety issues.
“With Work Safe Week running from the 26th to 30th October, there’s the opportunity to sign up more-than-100 workshops, presentation and events across Victoria.
Details are available online at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.
Small businesses are encouraged to apply for WorkSafe’s Small Business Consultancy Service, which provides three hours of free, confidential safety advice for businesses with 50 employees or less.
WorkSafe can also help businesses deal with potential safety issues through its free and confidential telephone advisory service on 1800 136 089 or via the internet - www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.