(left to right: VACC OHS Advisor Sally Selim, A1 Motorcycles owner & VACC Executive Board Member John Buskes, VACC OHS Senior Advisor Patrick D'Alessandri)

VACC’s Occupational Health and Safety division has reached a significant milestone.

It has completed its 1000th Small Business Safety Program member assessment.

The three hour on-site inspection is a thorough OHS assessment, providing each workplace inspected with a comprehensive set of instructions on how to ensure a safe work place.

“To conduct 1000 assessments is no mean feat and I commend Patrick D’Alessandri and his VACC OHS team for reaching this landmark,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase said.

“The numbers show our members are reaping the benefit of this service. 1000 assessments means 1000 businesses in Victoria are in a better shape to safeguard their workers and to minimise the threat of risks, accidents and work-place incidents.

“The assessments are tailored specifically to the needs of the automotive industry, and, by being pro-active and anticipating problems before they occur, members can introduce improvements and safeguards. It is about risk minimisation and prevention,” Mr Purchase said.

The landmark 1000th assessment was conducted at A1 Motorcycles, Ringwood, owned by VACC Executive Board member, John Buskes.

“Today any business owner must be up-to-date with OHS legislation and ensure their most valuable asset, their workforce, is safe. After all, a safe business is going to be a more productive business,” he said.

“The wonderful thing about the VACC assessment is that it is thorough and professional. Some people might think OHS is common sense, but I disagree. There’s common sense and there is good sense, and good sense isn’t all that common. It’s important to listen to the professionals,” Mr Buskes said.

Any VACC members considering a voluntary risk assessment of their business should contact VACC OHS Senior Advisor, Patrick D’Alessandri on 03 9829 1138 or email pdalessandri@vacc.com.au