MITIGATING THE RISK OF FATALITY THROUGH INCREASED UPTAKE IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN AUSTRALIAN HIGH RISK OCCUPATIONS

This discussion paper firstly identifies high risk work occupations and industries utilising Safe Work Australia data and then profiles those engaged in these occupations. The profiles lead to an understanding of the educational background of those workers most at risk and allows identification of training gaps. A range of promotion and incentive mechanisms are presented that encourage skilling and upskilling in areas focusing on the knowledge and skills that may contribute to mitigating the risks associated with the identified mechanisms of injury fatality. A range of stakeholders, including employers, training providers, industry skills councils and Government, are considered in terms of the contribution they can make in actively working toward reducing the occurrence of injury and fatality in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing and Transport, Postal and Warehousing industries as experienced by Machinery Operators and Drivers and Labourers.