Workplace deaths in NSW: a wake-up call for safety

The following is an abridgement of an article originally published on the SafeWork NSW website.

Five fatalities in four days

In 2022, there was approximately one workplace fatality a week in NSW but in a recent four-day period five people have died at NSW workplaces, including:

• Manufacturing: a 77-year-old man who visited a factory was struck by a forklift.
• Electrical: a 28-year-old man fell after being electrocuted during an air conditioning repair.
• Agriculture: a 51-year-old man died after losing control on an all-terrain vehicle on a cotton farm.
• Transport: a truck driver was located unresponsive on the ground of a loading bay.
• SafeWork is also investigating a February fatal motorbike incident.

These deaths occurred in different locations across NSW. Some of the victims were visitors, contractors, or employees of the workplaces.

Serious injuries also reported

In addition to the fatalities, SafeWork NSW has also been notified of several workplace incidents that resulted in serious injuries. One of them involved a construction worker who suffered head injuries after falling 3-4 metres from a scaffold, on January 27th.

Employers urged to ensure safety

SafeWork is urging employers and businesses to ensure the safety of their workers, especially those who work in high-risk areas such as:

• Working at heights
• Electrical
• Moving plant and machinery

Workers should be properly trained and instructed on how to do their job safely.

Workers who have concerns about workplace health and safety can anonymously contact SafeWork on 13 10 50 or through the Speak Up Save Lives app.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“Five deaths in four days is a tragedy and my condolences are with families, friends and colleagues of those who have sadly lost their lives."

“Business owners must ensure their employees are always practising safe work practices, and, as we head into February, these deaths serve as a tragic reminder to make sure workplaces are up to date with safety equipment and compliance.”

Resources available for safety improvement

SafeWork NSW has developed a toolkit for business owners to help them create workplaces that promote effective work health and safety. The toolkit contains information, guidance, and tools on various topics, such as: working with electricity, forklifts, farm safety, working at heights in construction. The toolkit and more details about workplace safety can be found on the SafeWork NSW website.

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Sources

Five deaths at workplaces in four days prompts safety reminder by SafeWork NSW, 3rd February, 2024.

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