Aug 25, 2023

WorkSafe looks into safety at aged care facilities

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The inspections will be conducted with the aid of a checklist to ensure consistency across all workplaces. [Source: Shutterstock]

WorkSafe has begun implementing its proactive inspection program to look at safety issues in Western Australian aged care and residential care facilities.

The inspection program will look at a number of randomly selected facilities across metropolitan and regional areas of the State from now until June 30, 2024. 

Residential aged care has been identified as an industry with significant challenges in relation to workplace violence and aggression and a high number of injuries due to manual handling and slips, trips and falls.

WorkSafe Deputy Commissioner Sally North said the program aimed to assist employers in the aged care industry in fulfilling their responsibilities for the health and safety of workers in their facilities. 

“The primary goal of our proactive programs is to provide information and to collaboratively work towards a reduction in work-related injuries and illnesses in the industry sectors we target,” Ms North said.

“However, if our inspectors find non-compliance with work health and safety legislation, they will take appropriate action that could include the issuing of verbal directions or notices requiring the facility to remedy the situation.

WorkSafe has an extensive schedule of proactive inspection programs that closely examine safety issues in a wide range of industries and activities.

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