By Molly Magennis
Six people in the western metro area, which includes Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, died due to workplace accidents in 2021 according to data from Worksafe.
Comprising of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham, the western metro area also recorded 2938 workplace injury claims in 2021.
Overall in 2021, there were 66 workplace fatalities, compared to 73 workplace fatalities in 2020.
The data revealed that the manufacturing industry recorded the most fatalities, 14, and that long term contact with chemicals/substances was responsible for the most fatalities.
Workplace injury claims increased however, rising from 22,257 in 2020 to 23,385.
The health care and social assistance industry recorded the most claims, 4454, with the manufacturing industry not far behind with 3287.
WorkSafe chief executive Colin Radford said he is urging all Victorians to reflect on the lasting impact of a workplace tragedy.
“The powerful stories of those left behind demonstrate that no one in the community is immune from the devastating consequences of workplace trauma and why health and safety at work is everyone’s business,” he said.
“Out of respect for those we have lost and their families, it is time we said enough. There is simply no excuse for cutting corners when it comes to workplace safety.”
“We need every workplace to prioritise health and safety above all else. Because lives, quite literally, depend on it.”
