The Andrews Labor Government is urging all workplaces to make safety a priority and take extra care on the job, following the tragic deaths of five workers in just nine days.
Two young workers died in separate workplace incidents yesterday. A 25-year-old electrician was electrocuted while doing maintenance on an air conditioner in Braeside and a 29-year-old worker was killed in Keysborough when he was crushed by a piece of equipment which fell off a forklift.
Earlier in the week, a worker was killed in an explosion at Harkaway and a farmer was killed when his tractor rolled over at Loch in South Gippsland.
On 4 November, a farm employee was electrocuted during maintenance work on a pump at a property at Anakie near Geelong.
Workplace injuries and fatalities have an enormous impact on families, friends, colleagues and the wider community, which is why the safety of all workers must come first.
All levels of government and employers must work together to improve workplace health and safety and ensure care is taken and proper processes are undertaken to avoid accidents from occurring.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Robin Scott
“One death on a work site is one too many.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and colleagues who have tragically lost their loved ones.”
“This is a tragic reminder of the need to make safety the first priority in every workplace, every single day, and ensure safety measures are never compromised.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020