Improvements to transport safety identified in WorkSafe New Zealand report

Improvements to transport safety identified in WorkSafe New Zealand report. 

A project between WorkSafe New Zealand and a cross-sector of industry representatives has formed with the joint outcome of improving health and safety practices across the Transport, Postal and Warehousing sectors.

Data from WorkSafe shows that in 2019 in the Transport, Postal and Warehousing industry, there were 57 fatal crashes, 170 serious injuries and 521 minor injuries involving trucks. Of those vehicle-related injuries, 147 of the workers involved could not work for more than one week.

WorkSafe New Zealand tasked a consultancy group to provide recommendations to improve vehicle-related health and safety and minimise vehicle-related risks by managing supply chain pressures.

Thirteen recommendations were made, focusing on eight specific areas. These can be found on the WorkSafe New Zealand website.

Eye injury and vision protection at work. 

According to Gary Rodney, a behavioural optometrist who assists businesses with vision-related questions, preventing accidents, spotting hazards, and protecting your eyes before anyone gets hurt is vital when it comes to your vision.

In the workplace, specific environments where there is dust, tools, especially power tools, compressed air, UV light or extremely bright light and work involving chemicals, eye protection is imperative.

Not only is it important to identify the areas where PPE is needed and ensure that eye protection is available to workers, it should also be comfortable, fit well, and comply with Australian standards.

'Your eyesight is too important to risk because you don't want to engage with workplace safety officers or simply don't feel like wearing your PEE', says Gary.

'Take the necessary steps, report problems, and be informed as to what to do in the event of an accident.'

Read the original article on the Digital Journal website.