The human, financial and social costs of work-related accidents and injuries are a major concern for workplaces and employers. And one of the main causes of such injuries within the agriculture, warehousing and manufacturing industries is the operation of machinery. 

In 2020 alone, Safe Work recorded 194 work-related fatalities in Australia, with machinery operators and drivers accounting for almost 70 percent of deaths. In the same year, there were 16,446 serious compensation claims made by machinery operators and drivers with each claim costing employers an average of $13,500. 

For employers, this is an area of workplace safety that requires much attention and a strategic approach to lessen incidents involving machinery on site. So, where should you begin? 

Who's most at risk? 

One of the best ways to address the issue of safety around the operation of machinery is ensuring new employees are thoroughly and appropriately trained. Consistent research demonstrates that irrespective of age, experience and industry, the occupational group at greatest risk of accidents and injuries are employees with less than 12 months experience in their current job or role. In fact, approximately 30-40 percent of new employees sustain an injury within the first year of employment. 

While the elevated risk for new employees has always been concerning, recent organisational developments such as the increase in non-standard employment and workers changing jobs more frequently have simply increased the issue. 

What employers can do about it 

The typical new employee might be thought of as young and recently entered into the workforce, yet this is not the case in every situation. A new employee can include experienced workers that change occupations, or even just change jobs within the same industry. 

One assumption that employers can wrongly make, is that someone who has worked in a similar role before or is a mature-aged employee, will know exactly how to operate machinery in their new working environment: this isn't the case. 

Each work site and, indeed, each machine, holds its own set of hazards and risks, and it's important that every new employee be trained accordingly. For example, while an employee may have previously operated a forklift in a warehouse, this will be quite different to a farm. In this case, the employee may need to be trained to operate the forklift around livestock, and therefore be aware of a different set of potential risks associated with that unique environment. 

In this way, it will be crucial for employers to arrange appropriate, tailored training for every new and incoming employee. It's also important to ensure long-time workers receive regular training updates, particularly if there is a change to machinery or work site. 

Upskilling current employees 

With a shortage of candidates affecting multiple industries, many employers can also be looking to upskill their current workforce in areas where they're experiencing skill gaps. For business in agriculture, manufacturing and warehousing, some of the skills that may be missing are those relating to machinery operation, such as forklift drivers. 

It is again important to remember that just because someone may have been working in your employ for a number of years, this does not mean they're licensed or have the appropriate knowledge to operate heavy machinery, or even work around it. 

If you're looking to upskill staff in certain areas, just like new employees, they must receive the appropriate training beforehand should you wish to minimise the risk of a workplace injury. 

Next steps 

Through our Training and Upskilling services, Acclaimed Workforce can provide employers with tailored programs that give your new and existing workforce the skills, knowledge and accreditation they need to operate machinery safely in your workplace. 

Whether based in a regional or metropolitan area, each training program is developed to meet a specific need. From reducing the gap between entry level skills and employer requirements to reducing your training costs by helping you access government funding, Acclaimed Workforce can assist. 

Contact us today to find out more about our Training and Upskilling services, or visit our website here.