Most serious injuries and fatalities in stevedoring occur because of the constantly changing and unpredictable work environment. Photo source: Port of Brisbane

Safe Work Australia has released three guidance publications aimed at offering a national approach to improving safety in the Australian stevedoring industry.

The booklets, Working Safely on the Waterfront; Working Safely with General Cargo - Steel products; and Working Safely with Containers, are reference tools for employers and employees in the transport and storage industry, including shipping agents and stevedoring companies.

"The majority of serious injuries and fatalities in stevedoring occur because the work environment is constantly changing and is often unpredictable," says Safe Work Australia chairman Tom Phillips.

"By providing clear and concise OHS information in an easy-to-read format, the industry now has a resource that can help employers and employees gain a better knowledge and understanding of workplace safety."

The transport and storage industry is listed as a priority industry under the National OHS Strategy 2002/12. There were 45 fatalities in the industry in 2006/7 and an average of 11,000 serious injury claims each year.

To download the booklets, visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au