Case Study: Brian's Fabrication and Welding Repairs
Brian owns a fabrication business on the north side of Brisbane. He employs 12 full time staff, including administration staff, and sometimes hires another two or three contractors at peak times. His workshop and storage bay are enclosed and approximately 300sqm in size.
In the past 12 months his employees have reported several injuries, mostly back injuries but also a few hand injuries.
Brian was worried about increased insurance premiums and getting fined, so he hired an independent consultant to do an inspection of his workplace and safety systems.
OUTCOMES: 12 months later
Since implementing the recommendations, Brian has seen the number of injuries in his workplace halve. Compared to last year, Brian has saved:
$15,680 in labour hire costs associated with covering the shifts of injured workers
$270 in his public liability premium
$1450 in equipment / plant repairs
To improve workplace safety, Brian also re-configured the layout of his workshop. He estimates that these changes have improved the production by at least 10 percent and save his employees 1-2 hours each week.
Last month, Brian was notified that his company is now a preferred supplier to the Brisbane City Council and can submit for tender.