WorkCover NSW has launched a new program for small business offering free coaching and advice from industry experts in how to make their workplace more productive, healthy and safe. Source: Timberbiz
Up to 50 small businesses in the wood manufacturing industry will have the opportunity to participate in the program which runs until 30 August in the Sydney, Wollongong, Central Coast and Newcastle areas with rebates of up to $2000 available to businesses that invite a safety coach into their workplace.
Acting general manager of WorkCover’s work health and safety division, Peter Dunphy said the Safety Coach Program was part of a WorkCover action plan to reduce injuries and illnesses and improve injury management in the industry.
“The wood products manufacturing industry has been identified as one of the state’s highest risk industries with 1965 workers compensation claims in the three years to 2010 at a cost of $19.5 million to the NSW workers compensation scheme,” Dunphy said.
“Businesses manufacture wooden doors and windows, kitchen cabinets, trusses and frames with most injuries occurring while carrying or putting down timber as well as while using industrial guns or saws.
“With most businesses employing less than five workers, there is evidence that they can be time and resource poor and require additional assistance to improve safety.
“The Safety Coach Program involves coaches with hands-on industry experience and knowledge of high risk work practices working with a business to assess their safety and develop an action plan to improve safety.
“The safety coach then returns to the business and supports them in implementing their action plan.”
Safety coaches are nominated by industry associations and are not directly employed by WorkCover. However, should a safety coach identify an activity that has the potential to be life threatening or seriously injure a worker, they are required to notify WorkCover.
Dunphy added that businesses that invite a safety coach into their workplace would be eligible for rebates of up to $2000.
“For a limited time a rebate of up to $1000 is also available to all small businesses in the wood manufacturing industry who implement a safety solution that will improve work health and safety, return to work or injury management,” Mr Dunphy said.
Further information on the Safety Coach Program or WorkCover’s small business rebates is available at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 10 50.
