1/02/2008

News Item

Safety fears for people working alone

PEOPLE who work by themselves in places such as farms and building sites are at significant risk of injury and even death, WorkSafe Victoria executive director John Merritt has warned.

The comments come as figures show that last year 22 Victorians were killed at work, one of the lowest annual totals on record.

Injuries at work also fell, equalling the previous record low from the late 1990s.

Mr Merritt said safety in bigger workplaces had improved over time, helped by greater awareness and work between employees, unions, employers and their peak bodies and WorkSafe.

He said it was harder to get the message through to people who worked by themselves.

"The biggest challenge … continues to be where workers are working alone. They are at significant risk," he said.

Already so far this year four people have been killed at work, including two who were working alone. In one case a 69-year-old handyman fell off a ladder at a house in Torquay and died.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/safety-fears-for-people-working-alone/2008/01/31/1201714153284.html