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Taking the shine off glass industry injuries


The glass industry is full of sharp edges, but a new WorkCover NSW initiative hopes to take the gloss off the number of preventable workplace injuries.

As part of the initiative, the state authority will work alongside more than 100 small glass and glazing businesses around New South Wales to offer comprehensive information and support. This assistance will also include advice on specific safety risks in the industry and adequate work health and safety compliance.

Although other industries such as construction, agriculture and manufacturing usually take the headlines for workplace injuries, the glass industry experiences its fair share of accidents.

According to WorkCover NSW, there has been one recorded fatality every year since 2007 in the industry. In fact, a number of total permanent disability cases are registered in the glass industry each year and 60 were recorded over one single 12-month period.

As the glass industry holds specific risks and dangers, the injuries experienced can be particularly severe. Frequent injuries include soft tissue damage, contusions and lacerations. There are also examples of workers in the industry falling from heights when installing or removing panes of glass.

On top of the human cost, WorkCover NSW estimates that injuries have cost the glass industry in excess of $76 million.

Acting General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division Peter Dunphy explained the initiative hopes to improve safety across the industry and assist small business reduce workplace injuries.

“WorkCover NSW is working closely with industry and other state and community organisations to ensure that all workers in the glass and glazing industry are assisted and supported and businesses in regional areas are also supported,” he said.

The glass industry is not the only Australian sector to come under the microscope from WorkCover NSW. Nine other industries have been highlighted as priorities after statistics suggest fatality and serious injury rates are too high.

NSW workplace compensation

The glass and glazing industry contains risks and dangers that could result in permanent disability, however, there are avenues to cover any damages or losses.

It is important to remember that workers injured on site are entitled to some level of compensation. Lawyers recommend that you contact legal professionals as soon as possible to gain advice on how to make your claim and begin proceedings.

These lawyers operate on a no win no fee basis, so they can advise you on your chances for success free of charge – if they think you have a case, it’s completely up to you whether you engage their services.

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Meet the diverse and dynamic team of compensation lawyers and supporting staff that have made this all happen below. Our multi-lingual team can discuss your claims in Arabic, Assyrian, Turkish, Greek, Italian, French, Serbian, Croatian, Armenian, Mandarin, Hindi, Punjabi or Malayalam.

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