Tradies were one of the most at-risk jobs in 2022 when it came to workplace limb injuries as WorkSafe Victoria urges workers to be employing the required safety practises on their sites for 2023.
WorkSafe Victoria has revealed that more than 150 limbs and digits were lost during workplace incidents in 2022.
At least 137 claims for workplace amputation injuries, which included at least 127 fingers or thumbs with more than 150 total body parts removed.
Manufacturing and construction were the two leading industries for injuries, accounting for 45 and 15 per cent of claims respectively.
Labourers accounted for 51 per cent of claims, while tradies were second with 37 per cent and transport workers third with 31 per cent of amputation claims.
“The staggering number of workers who have lost limbs and digits from preventable incidents is simply unacceptable,” WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said.
“No one should suffer such horrific, life-changing injuries at work.
“Employers need to make sure safety guards are fixed to machines at all times, and that staff are appropriately trained and supervised to undertake all tasks safely.
“We will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who fails to provide a safe and healthy workplace.”
For information on how best to keep your worksite safe, head to worksafe.vic.gov.au.