National Safe Work Month: Make Safety Your Priority This October

‍This is an abridgement of an article originally published by Safe Work Australia.

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National Safe Work Month has begun. Safe Work Australia is calling on all Australians to prioritise safety in the workplace, highlighting the importance of work health and safety (WHS) across all industries.

Beginning every October, National Safe Work Month offers an important opportunity for workplaces nationwide to acknowledge the significance of safe work practices. This annual acknowledgement serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of work-related injuries and fatalities, which affect not just individuals, but families and the broader community.

In 2023 alone, 200 Australian workers tragically lost their lives due to workplace incidents, and a staggering 139,000 serious workers’ compensation claims were lodged between 2022 and 2023, according to data from Safe Work Australia.

The theme for this year, "Safety is Everyone’s Business," emphasises the collective responsibility of both employers and employees in fostering safe and healthy workplaces. It highlights that work health and safety is not just an individual duty, but a shared commitment that benefits everyone within the workplace. By reinforcing WHS as a fundamental principle and right, this theme encourages organisations to integrate safety into their core operations.

Take Action to Ensure Workplace Safety

This October, Safe Work Australia is urging workplaces across the nation to prioritise WHS by making it a core aspect of their everyday business. Ensuring a safe and healthy environment means not only safeguarding employees from physical hazards but also addressing psychological risks. By taking proactive steps to eliminate harm, employers can help ensure that every worker, regardless of their industry or role, returns home safe each day.

Workplace safety is a collaborative effort. National Safe Work Month is supported by a network of initiatives from Safe Work Australia Members, including state and territory WHS regulators, employers, and unions. Together, these efforts aim to drive home the message that safety should always be a top priority.

A Call from Safe Work Australia CEO, Marie Boland

Safe Work Australia’s CEO, Marie Boland, has emphasised the importance of creating safe and healthy workplaces, stating:

"Creating safe and healthy workplaces is vital. This October, I urge workplaces across Australia to make safety their business and participate in National Safe Work Month. We want workplaces to think about safety as an integral part of their operations—creating a safe and healthy workplace, free from physical and psychological harm, benefits everyone. A safe and healthy workplace is a fundamental right for all workers, across all industries. Let’s commit to making work health and safety central to how we do business this National Safe Work Month and beyond.”

For more information and access to National Safe Work Month resources, visit safeworkmonth.swa.gov.au.

This October, make safety your business—and help create safer, healthier workplaces for everyone.