The figures were central to discussions at a Health and Safety Representative conference in Bendigo this week.

Bendigo was one of a number of regional centres to hold health and safety conferences during the week, seeking to provide up-to-date information for employers and employees.

Over the last four years, there was an average of 463 reported injuries per year in central Victorian workplaces. It amounted to about nine per week.

In 2017, 129 Australian workers have been killed including 27 in the construction industry – a 28 per cent increase on the previous year.

Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters spoke at the conference and was keen to highlight insecure work as one of the reasons for workplace injuries.

She said workers needed to feel comfortable in raising safety concerns in their workplace.

“One factor is the rise of insecure work which has resulted in less safe workplaces – workers who fear losing their job are unlikely to speak up about dangers,” Ms Chesters said.

“Their lack of security of employment makes them more likely to accept poor conditions at work, including unsafe ones.

“All central Victorian workers should be able to leave home in the morning knowing that they will be safe from danger, safe from injury, safe from work-related illness.”

The conference was held as part of the nationwide Health and Safety Month.