Stevedoring information booklets formally launched

The booklets have been developed by Safe Work Australia in consultation with a range of key stakeholders including state and territory OHS regulators, unions, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the stevedoring industry. They will be formally launched at information sessions in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in late November.\

Mr Phillips said that the booklets aim to offer a national approach to improving safety in the Australian stevedoring industry by providing guidance on the best occupational health and safety (OHS) practice for the industry.

“The emphasis is on demonstrating that the highest possible level of health and safety protection has been achieved,” Mr Phillips said.

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

“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 OHS information in an easy to read format, the industry now has a resource that can help employers and employees gain a better knowledge and understanding of workplace safety,” said Mr Phillips.

The transport and storage industry is listed as a priority industry under the National OHS 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.

To download the booklets, click here.

Source: Safe Work Australia