On 16th April, Melbourne’s North Food Group (MNFG) and Melbourne’s North Advanced Manufacturing Group (MNAMG), in partnership with Hume City Council, delivered an insightful session to strengthen workplace health, safety, and risk management across the manufacturing sector.

The event explored how effective OH&S practices not only protect people but also improve operational performance, reduce costs, and build long-term business resilience.

The session reinforced a clear message: workplace safety is no longer just a compliance requirement; it is a critical driver of business success.

Designed specifically for manufacturers, the session provided actionable insights into improving workplace safety while minimising unnecessary operational costs. Attendees gained practical knowledge, real-world examples, and tools to better manage risks within their organisations, from shop-floor operations through to leadership and governance.

Key Insights from WorkSafe Victoria:

A key highlight of the event was Charlene Borg’s presentation from WorkSafe Victoria, which provided valuable insights into how safety performance directly impacts business costs and outcomes.

Key takeaways included:

• Proactive claims management is critical to reducing WorkCover premiums
• Premiums are influenced by industry, business size, and claims history
• Early return-to-work (RTW) programs significantly reduce long-term costs
• The first three months after an injury are crucial for recovery and cost management
• Poor injury management and delayed RTW can have a substantial financial impact on businesses

Visual data presented during the session showed that businesses with strong return-to-work practices consistently achieve lower premiums than those with delayed or no return-to-work outcomes. Importantly, the session emphasised that the value of workplace safety extends far beyond cost savings; it plays a vital role in protecting employees, maintaining productivity, and ensuring business continuity.

Linde Material Handling: Safety in Practice:

The session also featured insights from MNFG sponsor Linde Material Handling, focusing on practical safety solutions within manufacturing and warehouse environments.

Key highlights included:

• A strong commitment to “Vision Zero”, the goal of eliminating workplace accidents entirely
• The importance of forklift safety fundamentals, including load capacity, weight distribution, and safe operation practices
• The need for daily pre-operational checks and proactive maintenance reporting
• Practical safety measures such as:
  – Speed control in high-traffic areas
  – Mandatory seatbelt use
  – Safe battery charging practices for electric equipment
• Linde also showcased advanced safety technologies, including:
  – FleetFOCUS system for real-time fleet and safety management
  – Built-in impact sensors, GPS tracking, and access control
  – Data-driven insights to optimise operations and improve safety outcomes

These solutions highlighted how technology can play a critical role in reducing risk and improving operational visibility in manufacturing environments.

Panel Discussion: Industry Perspectives:

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring industry experts from risk, insurance, and safety consulting.

• Paul Marsh (PNO Insurance)
• Rebecca Deighton (Soteria Safety Group)
• John Gawne (Resilient Services)

The panel explored common challenges faced by manufacturers, including managing evolving compliance requirements, balancing safety with productivity, and embedding a strong safety culture across organisations.

Panellists shared practical experiences and strategies, emphasising the importance of leadership, communication, and continuous improvement in building safer workplaces. The discussion also highlighted the need for businesses to take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to risk management.

We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers and panellists for their valuable contributions, expertise, and willingness to share real-world insights with the manufacturing community. We also thank Linde Material Handling and all the panellists for their support and generosity in providing door prizes for the event, which added to the overall experience for attendees.

Events like this play an important role in connecting businesses with the knowledge, tools, and networks they need to thrive. MNFG and MNAMG remain committed to supporting manufacturers across Melbourne’s north by delivering practical, industry-led initiatives that drive safer, stronger, and more sustainable businesses.

Event Photos: