National Safe Work Month: A call to prioritise workplace safety across Australia

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Image credit: SafeWork NSW

As October marks National Safe Work Month, Safe Work Australia is urging all Australians to take workplace safety seriously. 

This annual initiative is designed to emphasise the critical importance of work health and safety (WHS) across various industries nationwide, the organisation said in a news release. 

This year’s theme, “Safety is Everyone’s Business,” reinforces the message that ensuring a safe work environment is a collective responsibility. 

“Creating safe and healthy workplaces is vital,” said Marie Boland, chief executive officer of Safe Work Australia. 

“[T]his October I urge workplaces across Australia to make safety their business and participate in National Safe Work Month.”  

Boland underscored the importance of integrating safety into daily operations, stating, “This year we want workplaces to think about safety as part of the everyday business of their workplace—creating a safe and healthy workplace that is free from physical and psychological harm benefits everyone.”

The initiative encourages all workers, regardless of their industry or occupation, to prioritize safety. 

National Safe Work Month is spearheaded by Safe Work Australia, with support from various organisations, including Commonwealth, state, and territory WHS regulators, employers, and unions. 

These collaborative efforts aim to cultivate a culture of safety throughout Australian workplaces, according to the organisation. 

Boland concluded with a strong call to action: “Commit to making work health and safety core to how you do business this National Safe Work Month and beyond.”

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