Acknowledging Safe Work Month with Accumax Global: Understanding Risk Management.  

Safe Work Month in week 1 had us reflecting on the importance of work health and safety fundamentals. Emphasis was placed on the importance of being proactive when it comes to safety in the workplace, that is, preventing an accident that can lead to serious injury or death before it happens. This week, we will focus on understanding risk management so that we can all be responsible for our safety and that of others.

In a report published by Safe Work Australia, it is stated that more needs to be done to reduce the number of serious claims for work-related injuries and illnesses in Australia. Compared with 2012-13, the number of serious claims has in fact increased by 23,700 or 20.5%. (1)

Also staggering are the figures of worker fatalities with the number of fatalities in the Construction industry in 2023 being 36% times higher than the 5-year average for the industry. (1)

What are the Steps we Should Take?

Whilst some statistics have improved over the years, for example the number of fatalities in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry was 25% lower than the 5-year average (1), it’s clear that some have not and together we have established that more needs to be done to make a positive change.

1. Identify the Hazards and Assess the Risks.

At Accumax Global, we are committed to working with our customers to solve safety hazards before they contribute to the statistics.

Across Australia, product ranges such as lockout/tagout and dangerous goods storage, have the sole purpose of bringing people home to their families safely at the end of every working day.

Here are a few ways that you can work to identify hazards in your workplace (2):

• Talk to your workers and their representatives
• Survey your workers
• Develop reporting mechanisms for workers to report hazards
• Observe the workplace, working conditions, the way work is performed, and the way people behave and interact
• Think about the plant, substances and equipment used
• Review your records on injuries, illnesses and incidents, complaints, inspection reports, absenteeism, hours of work/overtime
• Educate yourself about the types of hazards commonly found in your industry and other similar workplaces

If your primary role is not Health and Safety related, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Accumax Director, Jerry Martin says assisting clients to achieve the best in safety for their people goes beyond a phone conversation. “To us, identifying potential hazards means seeing the site, walking the site and speaking to the people. Quite often there can be a hazard with no known product to mitigate the risk, that’s when we can go away, work on a solution and come back to the client with a product that might be fit for purpose or custom made. Ensuring safety doesn’t always reply upon off the shelf products for the fix”.

2. Control the Risks.

Once risks are identified, work hard and fast to reduce or eliminate the hazards. It does not always need to be a product, as sometimes processes are just as important.

Heat stress in the workplace is one example. Accumax are working with customers to identify the temperature across work zones and recommend the type and amount of hydration product the worker should consume in the typical workday.

“The lesson for our customers has been so valuable as we are helping them to mitigate the risk of dehydration; avoiding sick leave, illness claims, lost productivity and overall, a hit on the bottom line”, said Jerry.

Just as important as getting the product right on-site, is ensuring the correct product is recommended to begin with. Ensure that the policy, process or policy meets compliance and regulations.

Accumax Director, Jerry Martin says every single product is assessed for its ability to reduce or mitigate safety risks, “On a daily basis we are approached to stock a new product that claims to be different, safer, cheaper. The fact is, if it is not a superior product in both quality and functionality, we won’t provide it to our customers”.

3. Monitor and Review.

The importance of getting the product or process correct is integral and is something that must be monitored.

It’s an ongoing process, buying the product or implementing a new system or policy is not the end. “At Accumax we are always following up our clients and asking how the product is helping to increase safety. More than often, it will result in us jumping on a plane and heading to a mine site to support them in the set-up or the use of the product”, said Jerry.

A review is required (2):

• If monitoring shows that the control measures are not working
• Before you make a change at a workplace that might create new risks that need different controls
• If you identify new hazards or risks
• If workers raise concerns, or
• If a health and safety representative requests a review

Join the Movement

This Safe Work Month let’s unite to increase awareness and understanding of safety hazards and solutions.

For more information and resources on Risk Management Fundamentals, visit:

• Managing WHS risks | Safe Work Australia
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks | Safe Work Australia
• Identify, assess and control hazards | Safe Work Australia

About Accumax Global

Accumax Global is a leading provider of high-quality industrial and commercial safety products and services, committed to excellence and innovation. Our comprehensive suite of solutions is designed to meet the dynamic needs of our clients across various industries, including manufacturing, mining, defence and logistics. As a reputable provider of safety solutions, Accumax stands by their promise of ‘Raising the Safety Standard’ to eliminate the risk of serious injury or death in workplaces across Australia. For more information about our products and services, please visit our website or contact us at:

• Phone: 1300 222 862
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 58 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale WA

Let’s work together to ensure a safe future for all.

References
(1). Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2024 | dataswa (safeworkaustralia.gov.au)
(2). Week 3 – Risk management fundamentals | Safe Work Australia