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Originally Posted On: https://www.sitecraft.net.au/news/industry-news/sitecraft-elevating-machine-safety-amid-safework-nsw-crackdown/

“In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, safety remains our paramount concern. At Sitecraft, we’re committed to providing solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also, and more importantly, safeguard the lives of those on the factory floor. Every piece of equipment we design and offer is a testament to this commitment.” — Daniel Garrett, Managing Director of Sitecraft

Sydney, Australia — In a renewed effort to combat workplace hazards, SafeWork NSW is ramping up inspections across the manufacturing sector in metropolitan Sydney. The regulatory body’s intensified focus comes on the heels of concerning statistics — nearly 10% of workplace fatalities in the industry are attributed to machinery-related incidents. With a particular emphasis on identifying risks associated with moving plants and machinery, SafeWork NSW aims to set a new safety benchmark for workshops, warehouses and manufacturing plants.

The regulatory body has also expressed concerns about the vulnerability of young and inexperienced workers, who are often more susceptible to workplace accidents due to lack of awareness or training. Inspectors are reportedly keen on engaging with businesses to ensure proper training and adequate supervision for these at-risk employees.

Matt Press, SafeWork NSW’s Executive Director of Compliance and Dispute Resolution, revealed that the regulatory body has distributed 58,000 letters advising machine-utilising firms in Sydney. “Business owners should know that we are coming and there will be no excuses for putting workers’ lives at risk,” Press noted.

Press also disclosed that over 540 workplace incidents concerning machine safety have been addressed by SafeWork NSW since 2019. As a result, inspectors will proactively target workplace dangers and collaborate with employers to mitigate risks. This initiative is part of SafeWork NSW’s legislative priorities for 2023, which include addressing risks associated with moving equipment like forklifts, exposure to hazardous materials and falls. Businesses that fail to comply may face immediate fines of up to $3,600 and individual penalties of $720.

These priorities were formulated in response to a series of recent events, including a tragic incident on June 27th of this year at a Minchinbury warehouse that left one worker dead and two others injured. Preliminary investigations suggested that proper safety measures and training could have prevented the accident. For SafeWork NSW, this underscores the urgent need for businesses to reevaluate and bolster their existing safety protocols.

As the manufacturing sector grapples with the challenges of machine safety, companies like Sitecraft are stepping up to offer innovative solutions. With a range of products designed to enhance workplace safety, Sitecraft is at the forefront of mitigating risks associated with moving machinery.

With 25 years of operations under its belt, Sitecraft has established itself as a key player in the materials handling solutions sector. The ISO-certified company has served a diverse range of industries, from manufacturing and logistics to mining, defence and government. Recent strategic partnerships have expanded Sitecraft’s reach on a global scale, while also elevating their customer service capabilities within Australia.

Among Sitecraft’s offerings, the range of materials handling trolleys is popular for its focus on safety and efficiency — attributes crucial in any manufacturing setting. From a broader perspective, trolleys of all types have gained global recognition as practical materials handling solutions. They enhance warehouse efficiency through quick loading and transport, thereby reducing operational costs and contributing to worker safety. The ease of moving goods with trolleys minimises manual lifting and carrying, subsequently lowering the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs).

Sitecraft’s range of single-deck trolleys can meet the multifaceted demands of modern businesses, setting an industry benchmark that is hard to surpass. Their offerings come in an array of sizes, from small units like the Sitepro Single Deck to extra-large models like the Platform Truck.

Besides flatbed trolleys, the company offers other materials handling solutions such as bin lifters and bin tippers, tow tugs, electric industrial vehicles, scissor lift tables and scissor lift trolleys.

As SafeWork NSW intensifies its initiatives to improve machine safety in the manufacturing sector, the responsibility lies on businesses to take proactive measures for safeguarding their employees. It’s no longer sufficient to merely comply with basic safety standards — companies must apparently go above and beyond to invest in quality equipment and comprehensive training programs. Products like Sitecraft’s range of trolleys and other materials handling solutions offer an excellent starting point for companies looking to enhance workplace safety. Coupled with ongoing training and awareness programs, such investments can significantly reduce the risks of workplace accidents and fatalities. In a landscape where regulatory scrutiny is becoming more stringent, taking these steps is not just good practice but a business imperative.