Project 3175 Targets Manufacturing Harm Hotspot

Why WorkSafe is focusing on postcode 3175

WorkSafe Victoria has launched Project 3175, a targeted safety initiative focused on Dandenong and surrounding areas, after data revealed that around one in every ten manufacturing industry fatalities and workplace injuries in Victoria occurs within postcode 3175.

The project forms part of WorkSafe’s broader strategy to reduce workplace fatalities by 30 per cent and injuries by 20 per cent over five years. Manufacturing remains one of the agency’s key priority industries due to its disproportionately high injury and fatality rates.

Manufacturing remains a high-risk industry

While manufacturing accounts for roughly 8 per cent of Victoria’s workforce, it has been responsible for approximately 14 per cent of workplace deaths and injury claims over the past five years.

Since 2021:

• 57 workers have died in manufacturing-related incidents across Victoria.
• Seven of those fatalities occurred in postcode 3175.
• More than 3,000 manufacturing workers were injured in the past year, including 303 injuries in the Dandenong area alone.

These numbers highlight why WorkSafe is concentrating resources in one of the state’s busiest manufacturing regions.

What Project 3175 involves

The initiative combines workplace inspections with education and support programs.

The first phase began in October 2025 and has already seen inspectors conduct:

• 341 workplace visits
• Across 225 manufacturing businesses
• Resulting in 272 improvement notices being issued.

The most common issues identified included:

• Plant and machinery safety
• Forklift hazards
• Inadequate machine guarding
• Hazardous manual handling
• Dangerous goods management

More than just enforcement

The next phase of Project 3175 focuses on helping businesses improve safety before incidents occur.

WorkSafe says many inspectors encountered workplaces where tasks were performed a certain way simply because it was considered “industry practice”. However, industry practice doesn’t always meet modern safety standards or legal requirements.

To support improvement, eligible manufacturing businesses in postcode 3175 can access:

• The Victorian Government’s OHS Essentials Program, which provides free independent workplace safety consultations.
• WorkSafe’s Manual Handling Basics workshops, designed to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and improve manual handling practices.

Industry backing

The initiative has received support from manufacturing industry groups.

The South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) says workplace safety should be treated as non-negotiable, while the Australian Industry Group has backed proactive prevention programs that help businesses identify hazards before workers are harmed.

The goal is not simply to issue notices or penalties, but to build stronger safety cultures across one of Victoria’s most important manufacturing hubs.

Key lessons for manufacturers

Whether you’re based in Dandenong or elsewhere, the message is clear:

• Don’t assume long-standing practices are safe.
• Regularly review machinery guarding and plant safety.
• Manage forklift risks proactively.
• Address hazardous manual handling before injuries occur.
• Invest in training and independent safety advice.
• Treat safety improvements as part of normal business operations, not just compliance exercises.

Many serious injuries can be prevented through simple controls, proper planning and ongoing consultation with workers.

TL;DR

• WorkSafe Victoria has launched Project 3175, targeting manufacturing workplaces in Dandenong and surrounding areas.
• The area accounts for roughly one in ten manufacturing fatalities and injuries in Victoria.
• Since 2021, manufacturing has recorded 57 workplace deaths, including seven in postcode 3175.
• Inspectors have already completed 341 visits and issued 272 improvement notices.
• The next phase combines enforcement with free safety support programs aimed at reducing injuries before they happen.

Source: WorkSafe Victoria, “Project 3175 targets manufacturing harm hotspot”, 29 May 2026.