WorkSafe blitz aims to reduce work-related injuries in aged care facilities

WorkSafe Blitz Aims to Reduce Work-Related Injuries in Aged Care Facilities

WorkSafe WA inspectors are visiting aged care facilities across the state to check that employers comply with occupational health and safety regulations. Inspectors focus on hazards specific to the sector, workplace violence and aggression, plus staff training standards.

WorkSafe Deputy Commissioner Sally North said the program aims to help employers develop safe work procedures that protect their employees and reduce injury rates across residential settings.

What the Blitz Targets

The statewide blitz zeroes in on several risk areas common within aged care homes, including:

• Manual handling hazards linked to patient transfers and falls prevention
• Faulty or poorly maintained equipment used for lifting and mobility support
• Psychosocial risks stemming from workplace violence, aggression and understaffing
• Gaps in staff training around safety procedures and hazard identification

Ms North explained that inspectors want facilities to demonstrate genuine compliance rather than paperwork alone. "The primary goal of our proactive programs is to provide information and to collaboratively work towards a reduction in work-related injuries and illnesses in the industry sectors we target," Ms North said.

Why Equipment Safety Matters in Aged Care

Faulty plant and equipment remain a leading cause of harm in aged care facilities. Hoists, slings and mobility aids require regular servicing, and any lapse in maintenance raises risk for both employees and residents.

Employers should audit plant regularly and confirm every piece of equipment meets current safety standards. Facilities that neglect equipment checks often see a spike in falls and manual handling injuries, underscoring why WorkSafe places such heavy emphasis on this area during inspections.

For guidance on managing lifting and transfer hazards safely, review our Patient Care – Lifting and Transporting Safe Work Method Statement, which outlines procedures for safe equipment use during resident handling tasks.

Addressing Psychosocial Hazards

Beyond physical risk, psychosocial hazards such as aggression from residents or family members place significant strain on aged care staff. WorkSafe's inspection program recognises that mental health and physical safety are closely linked outcomes.

Facilities can strengthen their approach by implementing a documented Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, which provides a structured framework for identifying triggers, reporting incidents and supporting affected employees.

Funding initiatives have also emerged to help minimise psychosocial hazards for employees in this sector — read more in our article on the funding boost to minimise work-related psychological hazards for aged care workers.

Building Long-Term Compliance

Meeting WHS obligations calls for more than a one-off review before an inspector arrives. A robust Health/Care Services Work Health & Safety Management System gives facilities a consistent structure for managing risk, tracking equipment maintenance and documenting staff training.

Employers seeking practical steps to lower injury rates across their sites can also explore our guide on five strategies to reduce injuries at work, which covers practical measures applicable to aged care environments.

Related Enforcement Activity

This latest push follows other WorkSafe compliance activity in Western Australia. Our report on the WorkSafe investigation into a work-related fatality in Mandurah highlights ongoing scrutiny of workplace safety across multiple industries, not just aged care.

Practical Steps for Aged Care Employers

Facilities preparing for a potential inspection should:

• Review and update safe work method statements for high-risk tasks, particularly those involving lifting equipment
• Confirm plant and equipment maintenance logs are current and accessible
• Provide refresher training on manual handling and aggression response protocols
• Document psychosocial risk assessments and mitigation strategies

Facilities managing multiple sites may also benefit from our resources on Facilities Management planning, alongside our broader Care Services SWMS collection covering everyday operational tasks.

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