Depot workers at the City of Whittlesea, in Melbourne’s north, have just clocked up more than 500 days of work without a lost time injury. The City of Whittlesea’s Director Engineering Services, Richard Young, says the safety record is partly about systems and partly about people.
“We certainly have a good safety training regimen, but that has been greatly boosted by the commitment and enthusiasm of our outdoor staff,” Richard Young said.
The City of Whittlesea uses a training system highly commended by the Victorian WorkCover Authority at the Engineering Excellence Awards in 2001. Depot workers receive regular safety training in the use of their equipment and vehicles.
“They have stayed focused on safety for themselves, their workmates and the general public, and that professionalism is paying off,” Richard Young said.
Depot workers include the City’s road maintenance and drainage, litter patrol, graffiti removal, street sweeping, sign making and workshop employees. The City’s previous record without a lost time injury was 446 days. There have only been four lost time accidents since July 1988.
Consistent safe work practices have contributed to giving the City the second lowest Council Work Cover premium in the State. Whittlesea pays just over $115,000, compared with the $540,000 paid by the average Victorian Council. WorkCover premiums compare well with private enterprise, too. The City pays less than one per cent of its compensation budget as a premium. The industry average in Victoria is just over 2.2 per cent. The City of Whittlesea’s last serious lost time injury was when an outdoor worker suffered a broken finger in February 1999.
For further information contact Richard Young, on (03) 9217 2170.
