Preventing Eye and Hand Injuries Campaign

In our efforts to enhance workplace safety, WorCover Queensland conducted the Preventing Eye and Hand Injuries Campaign, focusing on reducing eye, hand, and finger injuries prevalent in metal manufacturing workplaces. Eye and hand injuries constitute the highest non-fatal claim rate in the manufacturing sector, with one in five non-fatal claims reported. Cuts and lacerations to the hands (13%) and foreign bodies in the eyes (9%) are the most common injuries.

Campaign Outcomes:

Inspectors visited around 200 manufacturing workplaces in Queensland during 2015, revealing insights into safety practices:

• 66% of workplaces demonstrated commendable practices, including regular employee safety communication, consistent application of the hierarchy of control, and adherence to safe work procedures.
• 34% of workplaces had some policies in place to manage risks but exhibited areas for improvement, such as the use of inadequate personal protective equipment, irregular risk consultation, and inconsistent application of risk management controls.