Attention:  News Editor/Chief of Staff

 

14/11/03 – EMBARGOED TO 8am

 

Opening of rock lobster season draws workplace safety warning.

 

Tomorrow’s opening of the Western Australian rock lobster season has prompted a warning to the fishing industry to be vigilant with safety issues.

 

Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said today that officers from WorkSafe had begun their seasonal check of safety on fishing vessels.

 

“WorkSafe inspectors are currently conducting checks on fishing vessels in the Geraldton and Dongara areas, and a program of targeted inspections will continue throughout the entire season,” Mr Kobelke said.

 

“Inspectors are visiting boats that are docked and preparing for the season, to assist owners and skippers in the industry to maximize their workplace safety.”

 

The Minister said the inspectors had reported a pleasing level of co-operation so far, but said further improvement was still required.

 

The WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) has an industry code to provide practical guidance to fishing boat owners, skippers and crew to meet their safety and health responsibilities.

 

Western Rock Lobster Council executive director Steven Gill said the revised code demonstrated the seriousness with which the industry regarded occupational safety and health.

 

“We are constantly reviewing our safety standards and holding safety and health awareness sessions to update WA’s commercial fishermen on industry best practice,” Mr Gill said.

 

Mr Kobelke said the unfortunate fact was that 38 people had died in the WA commercial fishing industry - including seven in the rock lobster sector - over the past 13 years, which really had been an unacceptable toll.

 

“The Gallop Government is creating safer communities and developing safer places to work is a crucial part of our strategy, no matter where that workplace is,” he said.

 

The Minister also warned there were concerns about the training of some young and new workers in the fishing industry.

 

“It is pleasing to note the industry conducts annual awareness sessions for new entrants and to update existing crew,” he said.

 

 

 

 

“Training and induction for new and young workers are critical elements for improving safety and health in this industry.”

 

The WorkSafe inspectors’ role is to identify breaches of the workplace safety laws to be corrected and work to a checklist to ensure a consistent approach to all vessels.

 

Some of the areas checked by WorkSafe inspectors are:

 

·        induction and training of crew members;

·        electrical safety, including cabling and residual current devices (RCDs);

·        emergency procedures;

·        guarding of vee-belt drives;

·        isolation and lock-out systems;

·        smoking in the wheelhouse;

·        safety equipment, including fire and first aid equipment and training; and

·        hazardous substances, including labeling and storage.

 

“The bottom line is that if all fishing vessels ensure they take all possible safety precautions - especially in relation to training requirements - we can avoid any further deaths or tragic injuries,” Mr Kobelke said.

 

Media contact:  Ashley Malone 9222 9211    Mobile: 0408 957 785

Statements available on the Government’s regional website: http://www.regional.mediastatements.wa.gov.au and you can also subscribe to have media releases emailed automatically from the Government’s website: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au