SAFEWORK TARGETS ABATTOIRS IN COMPLIANCE OPERATION

By Jessica Dempster

SafeWork NSW has conducted unannounced inspections at abattoirs and meat processing facilities across regional New South Wales as part of its Safe Work Month compliance program.

Inspectors visited five facilities in late September, focusing on labour hire arrangements, supply chains and the safe operation of mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery.

Three improvement notices were issued for breaches relating to machine guarding and traffic management.

SafeWork says checks of migrant workers found generally strong arrangements for consultation, training, supervision and worker welfare.

The abattoir operation is one of several compliance campaigns being conducted during October, with inspectors also targeting falls from heights, psychosocial risks, hazardous substances and machinery and vehicle safety.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer says compliance operations are designed to address high-risk activities, while engagement with businesses and industry groups will continue throughout the month to support safer workplaces.