Targeted Safety Blitz on Dandenong Manufacturing Hotspot

WorkSafe inspectors will ramp up their presence across Dandenong and surrounding suburbs in the coming weeks as part of Project 3175, a focused campaign designed to lift safety standards in manufacturing through on-site visits and practical education.

Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin confirmed that manufacturing is one of five priority industries under WorkSafe’s five-year strategy to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in workplace fatalities and a 20 per cent drop in injuries. He noted that despite employing around eight per cent of Victoria’s workforce, manufacturing accounts for approximately 14 per cent of all workplace deaths and injury claims over the past five years.

According to Mr Jenkin, Project 3175 sharpens this strategic focus by directing additional resources into geographic hotspots such as Dandenong, where the data shows a disproportionate level of harm. Since 2021, there have been 57 work-related deaths in manufacturing across Victoria, with seven of those occurring in the 3175 postcode alone. In the past year, more than 3,000 manufacturing workers were injured statewide, including 303 in the Dandenong area.

The first phase of Project 3175 commenced in October last year. Since then, inspectors have carried out 341 visits to 225 manufacturing workplaces across Dandenong and nearby suburbs. These visits have resulted in 272 improvement notices, primarily addressing hazards associated with plant and machinery (including forklifts), inadequate guarding, hazardous manual handling, and the management of dangerous goods.

Mr Jenkin said the next stage of the project will go beyond enforcement and provide local manufacturers with opportunities to access independent, tailored support to strengthen their WHS management systems and build a stronger safety culture in the hotspot.

"Inspectors have consistently heard that certain tasks are done a particular way simply because it is seen as industry practice," he said. "But industry practice does not always align with best practice, or even meet minimum compliance standards. That is why WorkSafe is encouraging more Dandenong manufacturers to take up our free support programs so they have the knowledge, systems and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) in place to protect their workers."

Manufacturing businesses in postcode 3175 with up to 200 workers can access the Victorian Government’s OHS Essentials Program. This initiative provides free, confidential on-site consultations from independent health and safety professionals, helping smaller employers identify gaps, prioritise controls and embed effective safety policies and procedures.

Employers can also register for WorkSafe’s free manual handling basics workshops, which offer practical guidance from ergonomics and safety experts on preventing musculoskeletal injuries and improving hazardous manual handling practices.

South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) Chief Executive Officer Honi Walker emphasised that safety is non-negotiable in every workplace context, from physical and mechanical risks through to psychosocial hazards. She urged members to stay informed about regulatory changes and to make full use of the training, information and support available through SEMMA and WorkSafe.

Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Officer Innes Willox highlighted the importance of proactive prevention programs in safeguarding workers and supporting sustainable business operations. He stated that partnerships between regulators and industry, including initiatives such as Project 3175, help businesses identify risk gaps, carry out robust risk assessments and implement meaningful control measures.

Mr Willox added that the Australian Industry Group backs its members through access to clear, practical health and safety guidance, including tools and resources to support effective WHS management systems and continuous improvement in safety performance.

For organisations seeking to formalise or strengthen their safety framework, structured WHS management systems and documented policies and procedures can support compliance and risk management across plant, manual handling, and hazardous substances. Further information on structured systems and documentation is available at https://www.bluesafeonline.com.au/store/management-systems and https://www.bluesafeonline.com.au/store/swms.