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Maroondah Journal
WORKSAFE is investigating a workplace accident in which two men were injured at a (removed) factory last week.
The men, believed to be sub-contractors working at the site, were standing on a false floor when it gave way just before 11am last Thursday.
One man, in his 40s, suffered fractures to his arm and shoulder and was taken to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition. The other man, in his 20s, landed on his feet and suffered injuries to his legs. He was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Intensive-care paramedic Peter Watts said the men were lucky not to have sustained more extensive injuries given the potential for serious fractures, internal injuries or head injuries in such a fall.
WorkSafe spokesman Michael Birt said the men were "lucky to be alive". He said an investigator inspected the site until about 6pm that night.
"We'll look at the work practices involved and what could have been done, and make an assessment from there."
Mr Birt said there had been 22 deaths and more than 29,000 injuries in Victoria in 2008-09.
"We're particularly concerned about the deaths and the injuries. We're dealing with situations where people have brain damage or end up as a paraplegic. Most of these accidents could have been avoided - there's overwhelming evidence that suggests this.
"We're particularly concerned that people are taking shortcuts. These are accidents that occur when people are doing work that they do every day."
Last week the Journal reported that injury claims and costs from workplace accidents in Maroondah had topped $30 million in the past five financial years.
WorkSafe is hosting a free briefing on workplace safety for Maroondah businesses at the Karralyka Centre, Mines Road, Ringwood East at 4pm on Thursday. Bookings essential. Details: 1800136089 or www.worksafe/register