Because of the large numbers of deaths and injuries and the inherently hazardous nature of some tasks the manufacturing industry is a priority industry in the Australian Work, Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022.
While some information on the industry’s health and safety performance is available, there is a lack of information on work health and safety attitudes and perceptions among workers and employers in this industry.
Safe Work Australia analysed existing data on the manufacturing industry from seven quantitative surveys and one qualitative study which were conducted between 2000 and 2014 across Australia. These surveys collected a wide range of data including from CEOs, supervisors, workers, employers, and importantly the often hard to reach small and medium businesses.
This research identified areas for future national research and intervention. It found:
- increased support for small manufacturing businesses is needed for them to undertake some of the more complex work health and safety activities
- time pressures and the view that some risks are unavoidable may be barriers to health and safety in the manufacturing industry.
For further information visit the Safe Work Australia website or view the profile report of the Work health and safety perceptions and activities: Manufacturing industry.
Some of the findings for the manufacturing industry are:
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