Strategic programs director Trevor Martin said that while there was no 'blood on the floor', musculoskeletal injuries accounted for more than half of all injuries in Victorian workplaces. "They're the most preventable because in many cases simply cleaning up a spill on the floor or providing some lifting equipment eliminates the risk."

While the construction and factory industries were obvious places for such issues, workers in personal care, retail and hospitality were also at risk from heavy lifting. "Our message to Melbourne's employers is that regardless of their industry or business, they need to be talking

to their workforce, identifying risks and fixing them," Mr Martin

said.

In the past financial year, WorkSafe inspectors carried out checks on 161 workplaces in Melton, issuing 59 improvement notices and one prohibition notice.

Tom Wood, WorkSafe's return to work inspector, has been involved in several cases in the local area.

He said most strains, sprains, fractures and breaks were caused by a lack of training in safety procedures.