WorkSafe has launched an inspection campaign across regional Local Government.

In preparation, it released a brochure to help workplaces identify hazards and to assist managers in meeting the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations.

Injury "hotspots" identified by WorkSafe include "psychological system stress from heavy workloads, workplace change, bullying and interpersonal issues" as well as common injuries to knees, shoulders and backs.

WorkSafe said it would be visiting regional Local Governments to identify common safety risks and provide managers with information on how to maintain safe work systems and practices and comply with occupational safety and health requirements.

Inspectors plan to focus on parks and gardens; maintenance depots and road maintenance crews; high-risk construction work including road traffic management and grave site preparation; and, asbestos in Local Government buildings.

WorkSafe said the most common causes of injuries across regional Local Government Agencies were: manual tasks - lifting and carrying objects , repetitive actions and awkward postures- sprains and strains; slips, trips and falls, resulting in sprains and strains; falls from heights; and, contact injuries from falling or moving objects.

Occupational safety and health laws require assessments to be carried out and checklists have been included in the brochure to help workplaces identify hazards.

The full brochure can be accessed at this PS News link.