Warrnambool tradies get a kick out of work safety

The 104 injuries have cost more than $6 million in treatment, wages and other expenses. 

Warrnambool region WorkSafe group leader Phillip Ritchie said about 70 health and safety breaches were found on average on local construction sites every year. 

“The majority of construction site injuries are caused by poor planning, poor site housekeeping and a lack of supervision,” he said. 

“They may not always be life threatening but they are often painful, long lasting and result in long periods off work.” 

WorkSafe chief executive Denise Cosgrove said the statistics were released to draw attention to the launch of the Top Tradie Cup, which is designed to get tradespeople and others in the construction industry talking about safety. 

“The Top Tradie Cup will help to create a culture of safety on site and encourage workers to speak up when they see safety breaches occurring,” Ms Cosgrove said. 

“We know that creating a safety culture encourages behaviour change which will ultimately lead to fewer workers being injured on site.” 

The six-week competition, which kicks off today, tests tradies on their football and safety knowledge. 

It is designed specifically for smartphones to make it easy for tradies to compete and discuss safety on site. 

There are weekly prizes, including footy tickets, computer game consoles and vouchers and a grand prize that includes corporate hospitality tickets to one of the biggest AFL games of the season. 

Master Builders Association of Victoria executive director Brian Welch said safety was an important issue on any worksite. 

“There is still scope for improvement when it comes to safety in the building sector,” Mr Welch said.

 “Tradies will be keen to win the big prize knowing the answers to this quiz will get them there and, coincidentally, improve their safety awareness in the process,” he said.

To  register for the Top Tradie Cup go to toptradie.com.au