Tony Hargreaves of Omega Steel Fabrication adjusts an approved laser guard system on his brake press. WorkSafe Western Australia is pursuing strategies to reduce lost time injuries from dangerous moving parts of plant and machinery, and the suffering these injuries cause workers. The strategies apply across all areas of industry, focusing on inadequate machine guarding. Research and investigation showed that until recently markedly different standards existed across the country, causing confusion for manufacturers and national enterprises struggling with varying requirements.
Current strategies aim for uniformity and conformity with world standards.
Safe Guarding of Machinery - General Principles was approved as a Code of Practice in Western Australia in 1996. The Standard provides both a practicable minimum standard for industry and information needed by employers and owners of machinery to understand the various methods of compliance. WorkSafe Western Australia's strategies in all industry sectors and with all types of machinery are based on this Standard's principles. Some industries have resisted making the necessary changes but this is being tackled through education and awareness strategies. Many of those most reluctant to follow the new standards are using machinery not complying with even the most basic requirements.