VIC - Grants for Fresh Workplace Safety Ideas

Original article published by WorkSafe Victoria

Projects to reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers in seven different industries will benefit from WorkSafe’s grants program.

Grants totalling $2.47 million have been awarded following the 2021-22 funding round.

WorkSafe Chief Executive Officer Colin Radford said each of the nine projects was chosen for its focus on prevention, promotion of knowledge and confidence, and community value.

“We are delighted to be able to provide funding for these innovative projects that reflect our values and will prevent harm in workplaces across Victoria,” Mr Radford said.

“From using wearable technology devices to identify injury risk factors, to developing programs to reduce psychosocial harm, these ground breaking initiatives will make a lasting difference to the lives of Victorian workers and their families.”

Organisations to receive WorkSafe grants are:

• Australian Services Union (ASU) – to develop a cultural change model and training program to prevent and address psychosocial harm in the local government and community services industries.
• Boroondara City Council – to assess and address role-specific musculoskeletal injury risk factors for field based workers through wearable technology devices and data analysis.
• La Trobe University (Rural Health School) – to develop intervention strategies to reduce OHS risks associated with shift work, reduce workplace fatigue and improve health and wellbeing in rural healthcare workers.
• La Trobe University (School of Psychology and Public Health) – to develop an education package for the management of psychosocial hazards in the transport industry.
• Lort Smith – to develop and deliver a tailored program to reduce and prevent mental injury in the veterinarian industry, which has unique adverse psychosocial working conditions.
• Mactown Consulting – to develop and deliver a quarry safety management system for small employers in the mining industry, who typically don’t have access to tailored OHS resources.
• Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) – to work with key industry stakeholders to deliver guidance to clarify ambiguous or contentious OHS risk management issues on rail construction projects.
• Veg Education – to develop and deliver a purpose designed interactive training program for the horticulture sector, including OHS education videos in seven languages.
• Yooralla – to partner with other disability service providers for a systematic review of hoist practices in the social assistance industry to improve risk management and guide industry standards.

WorkSafe’s grants program is focused on supporting workplace and community solutions that will make the biggest difference and have the greatest impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of Victorian workers.

The 2022-23 funding round will be announced on the WorkSafe website in the coming months.

For more information visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/worksafe-grants-program

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