WYNDHAM workers have made almost 3000 reports of musculoskeletal injuries since 2006, new figures show.
Latest WorkSafe Victoria figures reveal 2934 reports were made from 2006-11, with more than $72million paid out in claims.
Wyndham recorded the highest number of musculoskeletal injuries in the western suburbs.
Hobsons Bay was next, with 2091 reports worth $58million registered.
WorkSafe found most injuries involved manufacturing workers.
Wyndham Industrial Liaison and Development committee chairman Mick O’Donnell
said the high number of injuries reported in Wyndham most likely reflected the prevalence of manufacturing jobs.
He said the physical nature of manufacturing jobs and age of workers could also have contributed to the high number of claims.
“WorkSafe should be acknowledged for the resources made available to employers to assist with adoption of good occupational health and safety practices in the workplace,” Mr O’Donnell said.
The figures were released ahead of a
new WorkSafe campaign to raise awareness of musculoskeletal injuries, which are the state’s leading source of workers’ compensation claims.
The injuries often include broken bones, sore backs, sprains and torn ligaments and are caused by slips, trips, falls and dangerous handling.
WorkSafe executive director Ian Forsyth said workers and employers needed to become more aware of the cause and impact of such injuries.
“While Victoria has achieved a record-low rate of injury among workers and its workplaces are the safest they’ve ever been, we are still seeing thousands of workers hurt every year,” Mr Forsyth said.
“A lot of these are a result of basic issues that can easily be prevented.
“It’s an issue that employers, supervisors and company directors must act on. It’s costing them money and it’s hurting the people who work for them.”
