Aged care homes and childcare centres will be targeted as part of a WorkSafe inspection program looking at safety across a wide range of industries.
In the 2023-24 financial year, WorkSafe will conduct randomly selected inspections of metropolitan and regional facilities.
Aged care facilities
Aged care has been identified as an industry with significant challenges, including workplace violence and aggression, and a high number of injuries from manual handling and slips, trips and falls.
WorkSafe Deputy Commissioner Sally North says the program aims to help employers “fulfil their responsibilities for the health and safety of workers in their facilities”.
“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,” she says.
“However, if our inspectors find non-compliance with work health and safety legislation, they will take appropriate action that could include the issuing of verbal directions or notices requiring the facility to remedy the situation.
“A wide range of safety issues may be present for workers in the aged care industry, and it’s our aim to make employers fully aware of the risks and supply them with information on the measures that can be put into place to lessen those risks.”
Childcare facilities
In a similar manner, spot checks on childcare facilities will be conducted by WorkSafe in 2023-24. Child care is subject to audit from other regulating agencies in addition to WorkSafe. Ensuring robust management systems are in place is essential for the adequate management of childcare facilities.
In previous inspection cycles, inspectors focused on priority areas including manual tasks, hazardous substances, electricity and slips, trips and falls. Several resources are available on the WorkSafe WA website to guide management of these areas.
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