This month is National Safe Work Month.
The aim of National Safe Work Month is to improve awareness of work health and safety, encourage discussion about safety at work and share positive workplace stories from across Australia. It also aims to encourage people to get involved in and concentrate on workplace safety to reduce disease, injury and death.
Safe Work Australia CEO, Michelle Baxter, launched National Safe Work Month in a video message, focusing on the importance of constantly talking about workplace health and safety.
“The more we talk about health and safety, the more it becomes a normal part of our conversation and everyday work life.
“Health and safety should not be regarded as an added extra, an additional cost or a regulatory burden. It should not be limited to discussions at business meetings or board rooms. It must be viewed as integral to the way all organisations, large and small, do business.”
Baxter also addressed what projects Safe Work Australia are currently working on, which include research into older workers, evaluation and review of workplace exposure standards, and national workplace safety material.
Safe Work Australia Chair, Diane Smith-Gander, also spoke about National Safe Work Month in a video message, emphasising to workplace leaders to think about their business’ safety culture, near misses that happen, and whether workers can raise their concerns without fear or ridicule.
“As the leader, you are the person who sets the tone for conversations in your company. If more near misses are reported and there’s a strong conversation about how to avoid them in the future, you will really be working to prevent injury.”
Smith-Gander also encouraged workplace leaders to set an action plan for themselves and their workers to promote safety during National Safe Work Month.
Safe Work Australia have also announced that their Virtual Seminar Series will extend beyond October to become an ongoing safety resource throughout the year. The Virtual Seminar Series is a key event during National Safe Work Month which features online videos, presentations and discussions on a variety of workplace topics.
More information on National Safe Work Month, including the Safe Work Month Participation Reward, resources and case studies can be found here.
Image via Pixabay.