Hon. Kate Doust raises concerns about the high fatality rate among machinery operators and drivers, particularly truck drivers, despite their relatively small workforce size. The Minister outlines WorkSafe's initiatives to address safety in the transport sector.

AnsweredQoN 995Legislative Council
Asked
10 December 2013
Portfolio
Commerce

QuestionView source ↗

MACHINERY OPERATORS AND DRIVERS — WORKSAFE
995. Hon KATE DOUST to the
Minister for Commerce:
I note the following statistic in the report titled ''State
of the Work Environment: Work-related fatalities, Western Australia, 2006–2007
to 2012–2013'' —
According to the ABS Labour Force estimates for 2012–2013, the
 major occupation group of Machinery Operators and Drivers represents
the lowest number of workers  in Western Australia 
This group, however, also represents the equal highest number
of fatalities for the same period.
(1) What
action is WorkSafe taking to ensure the ongoing safety of the members of this
occupation group?
(2) What
action is WorkSafe taking to focus on truck driver fatalities, which is the
major problem area within this group?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for some notice of this
question.
(1)–(2)
WorkSafe commits significant resources to improving occupational safety and
health in Western Australian workplaces, including those in the transport
sector. In May this year, WorkSafe participated in five heavy vehicle–roadblock
stops, prearranged with WA Police, as part of the annual operation Austrans.
Planning has commenced for next year. Throughout the year, WorkSafe is
conducting the fatigue project in conjunction with WA Police and Main Roads
road freight, isolated employees, campaign. It is planned that by June 2014,
100 transport workplaces will have been visited. At this time WorkSafe has
conducted 45 of the visits.
The PRESIDENT : Just before you start, I do not want to
encourage the habit of hanging coats and other material over the back of
chairs. Can you take that into account in the future and get dressed outside as
you want to come into the chamber.

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