Hospitality the focus of new action plan

Practical safety solutions and addressing the challenges of young and transient workforces plays a key focus in a new action plan to reduce workplace injuries in hospitality.

SafeWork SA released the action plan on September 18, 2017 the third in its series of industry-specific action plans, which seeks to deliver practical solutions to support the industry and continue to improve health and safety outcomes.

According to SafeWork SA executive director, Martyn Campbell the high turnover of people working in the sector continues to present a significant challenge to employers, who are required to induct and train their staff on any work health and safety issues.

“This is why it is so important to have flexible, practical solutions that ensure workers understand the risks in the workplace and steps that can be taken to avoid them,” Campbell said.

“In South Australia there are around 900 work injury claims a year in hospitality resulting mainly from body stressing, and slips, trips and falls.

“Through the Hospitality Action Plan we will be working with industry to focus on young workers, practical and effective induction policies and procedures, physical and mental health and wellbeing, as well as dealing with the anti-social behaviours that may result from drugs and alcohol abuse.”

Campbell said that, as part of the Action Plan, SafeWork SA would also continue their focus to help the industry employers who organise community events to ensure they are aware of and comply with their health and safety responsibilities.

“By collaborating with industry we can better educate both employers and employees on how they can improve safety in the workplace, leading to better outcomes for everyone.”

The Australian Hotels Association’s manager, Industrial Relations and Human Resources, Trevor Evans believes workers and employers both benefit from improved health and safety in the workplace.

“Our sector has seen a welcome reduction in claim costs. This is in part due to regular training and support for staff and employers through the Hospitality Industry Work Health & Safety Association, a collaboration between AHA (SA), Restaurant & Catering Australia, Clubs SA, United Voice, SafeWork SA, Adelaide Casino and the Institute of Hospitality in Healthcare,” said Evans.

"This reduction is welcome, but it doesn't mean we can afford to be complacent. This Action Plan identifies a number of key priorities where we can work together to continue to improve the health and safety of our industry and deliver a safe working environment for staff.”

Image sourced from Flickr cc: Olle Svensson