The Andrews Labor Government is urging employers and operators to ensure they are addressing health and safety risks in workplace car parks as Victoria gets back on the move.
Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt joined Secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association Michael Donovan and retail workers in Melbourne’s west to launch new WorkSafe guidance for workplace car parks.
We know that for our retail workers it is a particularly busy time of year in and around our shopping centres and now more than ever they deserve our support.
Employers face serious consequences under the Occupational Health and Safety Act if they fail to provide a safe working environment for workers – these obligations can extend to workplace car parks.
Those who manage or control a workplace car park have a duty to ensure the car park, and the means of entering and exiting it, are safe and without risks to health.
To assist duty holders understand their important obligations, WorkSafe has developed new guidance on eliminating or reducing safety hazards in workplace car parks, including the risk of occupational violence and aggression, in consultation with unions and employer groups.
Employers should consult workers on ways to reduce the risk of violent or aggressive behaviour in workplace car parks from clients, customers, co-workers, staff from other workplaces or the general public.
Other health and safety measures include assessing the suitability of staff parking areas, ensuring workers can call for immediate assistance and implementing a system for reporting work-related violence.
Information on safety in workplace car parks can be found at worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-workplace-car-parks.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt
“With many workplaces back in operation, employers should be reassessing potential hazards, including those in in their workplace car parks.”
“It is critical employers remember that a car park may be considered part of their workplace, meaning they have a duty to protect not only their workers, but any members of the public using it.”
Quote attributable to Member for Footscray Katie Hall
“With more people out and about, getting ready to spend the holidays with their loved ones, we need to make sure the places they work and visit are safe.”
Quote attributable to Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association Secretary Michael Donovan
“The SDA is extremely pleased that the new WorkSafe Guidance spells out clearly the responsibility of operators of shopping centre car parks for the health and safety of retail workers. This guidance will assist elected Health and Safety Representatives in ensuring safe and secure car parking.”
Reviewed 18 December 2020