October marks National Safe Work Month in Australia, a time dedicated to promoting workplace health and safety. This month-long initiative encourages employers and workers to commit to creating safer and healthier workplaces. It’s a great opportunity to connect with your team and enhance the focus on safety as many industries head into one of their busiest periods of trading. Here’s a few ideas of activities you could stage to promote health and safety during safety month:

• Stage a “SafeTea” morning/afternoon tea to encourage the sharing of safety knowledge and encouraging conversations. This can make a difference to your team’s mindset whilst making them feel valued.
• Engage an ergonomist to do ergonomics training and upskill the team to set up their workstations for comfort and safety.
• Encourage your Managers and Health and Safety Representatives to register for one of the events that is being staged across Australia. The great thing is that these events are also occurring in Regional centres as well as cities.

Here’s a look at the various events you and your health and safety representatives can attend free of charge, and the benefits of participating.

Events to Attend

1. Work Health and Safety Fundamentals (1-6 October)

Workshops and Webinars: Learn the basics of workplace health and safety, including risk assessment and hazard identification.

Interactive Sessions: Engage in Q&A sessions with safety experts to clarify doubts and gain deeper insights.

2. Psychosocial Hazards (7-13 October)

Mental Health Seminars: Employers can tend to focus on the physical hazards and be reticent to tackle the psychosocial hazards. You must have measures in place to manage both. Attend sessions focusing on managing stress, preventing burnout, and promoting mental well-being at work to get some helpful tips to get started.

Support Groups: Join discussions with peers to share experiences and strategies for maintaining mental health.

3. Risk Management Fundamentals (14-20 October)

Training Programs: Participate in hands-on training to understand and implement effective risk management practices.

Case Studies: Analyse real-world scenarios to learn from past incidents and improve future safety measures. Use the learning to determine what may be a gap in your safety measures within your workplace.

4. Musculoskeletal Injuries (21-31 October)

Ergonomics Workshops: Discover best practices for setting up ergonomic workstations to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

Exercise Sessions: Engage in guided exercises and stretches designed to reduce the risk of injury.

Benefits of Attendance

Enhanced Knowledge and Skills

Attending these events will equip you with the latest knowledge and practical skills to improve workplace safety. This can lead to a more informed and proactive approach to managing health and safety risks.

Networking Opportunities

These events provide a platform to connect with other professionals, safety experts, and industry leaders. Building a network of contacts can be invaluable for sharing best practices and staying updated on the latest safety trends.

Improved Workplace Culture

By participating in these events, you can foster a culture of safety within your organisation. This can lead to increased employee morale, reduced absenteeism, and a more positive work environment.

Compliance and Risk Reduction

Staying informed about the latest safety regulations and practices helps ensure compliance with legal requirements. This can significantly reduce the risk of workplace accidents and associated costs.

Personal Well-being

Focusing on health and safety not only benefits the workplace but also contributes to your personal well-being. Learning about mental health, ergonomics, and injury prevention can improve your overall quality of life.

Get Involved and Celebrate!

To make the most of WorkSafe Month, follow these steps:

• Register for Events: Visit the Safe Work Australia website to find and register for events near you.
• Download Resources: Access posters, social media tiles, and activity sheets to promote safety in your workplace.
• Join the Conversation: Follow Safe Work Australia on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, and use the hashtags #SafeWorkMonth and #SafetyIsOurBusiness to share your activities.
• Reach out to Action OHS Consulting: We do a range or work for small to medium sized businesses. In Victoria we can access funding for small businesses of up to 60 full-time employees, to fund a 12-month program called the OHS Essentials Program – Funded by WorkSafe Victoria, this program is free and confidential for small businesses.

By participating in WorkSafe Month, you are taking a proactive step towards creating a safer and healthier workplace. Let’s work together to make safety our business!

Feel free to share this article with your network to spread the word about the importance of workplace health and safety. Together, we can make a difference!

¹: Safe Work Australia – National Safe Work Month ²: Safe Work Australia – Get Involved ³: WorkSafe Tasmania – Calendar of Events