Safe stevedoring targeted in OH&S push

The booklets – Working Safely on the Waterfront, Working Safely with General Cargo – Steel Products, and Working Safely with Containers – were developed in consultation with State and Territory occupational health and safety (OH&S) regulators, unions, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the stevedoring industry and will be formally launched at information sessions in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth later this month.

The booklets are a reference tool for employers and employees in the transport and storage industry, including shipping agents and stevedoring companies

"The emphasis is on demonstrating that the highest possible level of health and safety protection needs to be achieved," Safe Work Australia chairman Tom Phillips said.

“The majority of serious injuries and fatalities in stevedoring occur because the work environment is constantly changing and is often unpredictable.

“By providing clear and concise OH&S information in an easy to read format, the industry now has a resource which can help employers and employees gain a better knowledge and understanding of workplace safety."

The transport and storage industry is listed as a priority industry under the National OH&S Strategy 2002-2012.

There were 45 fatalities in the industry in 2006/07 and an average of 11,000 serious injury claims each year.

The booklets are based on materials originally developed by WorkSafe Victoria, which have been adapted for use nationally.

The booklets can be downloaded at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au