Safe Work Australia data indicates that in 2023, 200 workers in Australia were fatally injured at work, and workers made 139,000 workers’ compensation claims for serious injuries or diseases (2022-2023p). 

“Workplace deaths in Australia are something we should see as completely unacceptable. No one should leave for work in the morning and not be able to come home safely to their family at night,” says Nathan Lee, Director of High Risk Work and Industries Policy at Safe Work Australia.

“Work health and safety must be placed at the centre of all operations, whether your company is large or small” adds Nathan. To prompt individuals to adopt this approach and focus on the development of a positive safety culture in their workplaces, Safe Work Australia celebrates National Safe Work Month in October each year. 

Notably, this October also sees the opening of the 2024 Workplace Health & Safety Show Sydney – Australia’s leading work health and safety event. The Show was planned for October specifically to align with National Safe Work Month.

Unveiling innovations

Safe Work Australia will feature on the Workplace Health & Safety Show Sydney seminar program, as Nathan will be presenting a session that explores the challenge of making WHS information easier to understand. “Australian WHS laws are largely principles-based rather than prescriptive,” explains Nathan. “This makes them flexible enough to apply to any workplace. But this means smaller businesses or workers aren’t always clear on what they have to do. If we want to make workplaces safer, we need to get better at helping people understand what WHS means for them”.

In his seminar session, Nathan will consider the example of Safe Work Australia’s interactive SWMS tool. “Many people find SWMS confusing, and think of them as little more than a paperwork requirement. Safe Work Australia has developed a new interactive tool that aims to change this, and will enhance safety in the construction industry,” adds Nathan.

His seminar session is scheduled for 13:30 on 23 October, at the Knowledge Hub.

Workplace Health & Safety Show: Shining a light on the safety superheroes

The Workplace Health & Safety Show team recently announced the launch of the Champions of Safety Awards – an initiative to recognise WHS professionals who go the extra mile to uphold and protect the safety and wellbeing of workers. Through these awards, Workplace Health & Safety Show recognises that everyone can be a champion of safety – and this aligns with the theme for this year’s National Safe Work Month: Safety is everyone’s business.

The Award winners will be announced at the Show event, on 23 October 2024.

Removing barriers (in a good way!)

Another key feature of Workplace Health & Safety Show is the comprehensive education program - offering over 40 hours of content delivered by 75 of the country’s leading experts.

Learn more about Workplace Health & Safety Show Sydney: https://whsshow.com.au/whats-on-sydney/sydney-event-magazine

Registration is free, making it easy for health and safety professionals to attend the seminars and summits, and benefit from the insights shared there. Attendees can earn up to 4 hours of CPD points per day by attending the Show, and expanding their expertise in safety practices.

The education program includes the Knowledge Hub (succinct seminar sessions covering the latest developments and innovations relating to safety tech, injury prevention, and worker wellbeing) as well as the Spotlight Stage (shorter exhibitor- and sponsor-led information sessions, covering new product releases and safety resources). In addition, the program also features three dedicated summits: the Workplace Wellbeing Summit, Construction Health and Safety Summit, and the Safety Leadership and Culture Summit.

More information about the Show is available at https://whsshow.com.au/.