WESTERN suburbs residents injured at work are being exploited by unscrupulous bosses, according to a workplace lawyer.
Slater & Gordon lawyer Marcus Fogarty said workers from migrant backgrounds often failed to lodge WorkCover claims because of confusion about the system or pressure from an employer.
“We are processing claims for numerous clients who state their employer told them they would lose their jobs or damage their chances of getting permanent residency in Australia if they reported their injury,” Mr Fogarty said.
More than 400 workers have lost body parts in Victorian workplaces over the past five years, according to new WorkCover figures released for National Worksafe Week (which runs until November 1).
Nearly 11,000 workers have racked up a $220 million bill for medical treatment, rehabilitation and income support in the same period.
In Maribyrnong, $6.5 million was paid out on 371 claims made for injuries in which people missed more than two weeks of work. In Hobsons Bay, $6.7 million was paid out in 360 claims.
More than half of the state’s workplace injuries occur in manufacturing and logistics.
Mr Fogarty believes the true number of workplace accidents is higher than the official data suggests.
He said some small employers cut corners on workplace safety and used intimidation to stop workers lodging a WorkCover claim.
WorkSafe Health and safety operations general manager Lisa Sturzenegger said too many workers were still being hurt by common types of machines.
In Victoria, almost $2 million in fines have been dished out to employers in the past four years following WorkSafe prosecutions over unguarded and unsafe machines.
Goodman Fielder Consumer Foods was fined $90,000 in August over an incident at its West Footscray Pampas factory which left a worker with permanent injuries after an arm was crushed in a dough extruder.
