According to WorkCover NSW, during 1993/94 almost $25 million in compensation was paid for back injuries in the public administration area. More than 70% of this was paid to Local Government workers.
Adding related costs, of lost work time and administration overheads, the real cost is more likely to be in the vicinity of $50 million. As well as the high financial costs, back injuries take a heavy toll in pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
Two NSW Councils, Bankstown and Sydney City Council have been working to reduce the incidence of back injury. In 1993, Bankstown City Council installed a new system for loading and unloading white goods on all its garbage trucks. At a cost of $5,000, each truck was fitted with a trolley and elevating platform. The result has been a dramatic reduction in back injuries. With a single major back injury costing around $8,600, Council estimates it has saved over $160,000 in the last three years.
Sydney City Council believes that as much as one and a half years of productive work time has been lost in the last five years from back injuries sustained by workers lifting gully grates for maintenance, repairs or cleaning.
After consulting with workers a new system has been devised. It involves using a winch on the back of the gully eductor truck which is fitted with a frame to stabilise the grates during lifting. The new system, currently being tested by WorkCover, has been welcomed by Council staff and management.
For further information contact Steve Churchill, OH&S; Training Officer at Bankstown Council, telephone (02) 9707 9867 or Leeza Dobbie, Occupational Health, Safety & Rehabilitation Officer at Sydney City Council, telephone (02) 9265 9333.
