Protect your workers this October – and for life
Your workers spend several hours of their day in your workplace, for maybe a few years. But the impact of the safety in your workplace can affect them for life. This year’s National Safe Work Month theme, Safe work is for life, reminds us of that important fact: work health and safety (WHS) does more than protect workers in the moment, it protects their lives, health and future.
Weekly focus areas
Each week of October, Safe Work Australia, the force behind National Safe Work Month, will cover different focus areas:
- Week 1: For life – why WHS matters
- Week 2: For health – what WHS protects
- Week 3: For the future – the long-term impact
- Week 4: For all – action across all workplaces
Visit Safe Work Australia's National Safe Work Month web page for resources you can use over the month.
How else can you get involved in National Safe Work Month?
There are a range of ways in which your business can become actively involved, including by attending one of the numerous events organised by the regulators, which we have outlined by jurisdiction below.
If you are a manager, you should consider taking a lead on safety during October by hosting your own health and safety event within your business, which will also demonstrate you are exercising due diligence.
Australian Capital Territory
WorkSafe ACT will be conducting virtual updates and a community fundraising BBQ at the Gungahlin Bunnings where WorkSafe inspectors will be available to discuss safety issues with interested employers and workers.
New South Wales
SafeWork NSW is presenting and exhibiting at the Workplace Health & Safety Show 2026 at the Sydney Convention Centre in late October. There is also a regional HSR Forum in Nowra to address key roles of HSRs.
Online webinars include:
- An Introduction to WHS Laws and Risk Management
- Construction Industry WHS Seminar
- Workplace Exposure Limits – Are You Ready?
Northern Territory
NT WorkSafe will be holding National Safe Work Month events focused on three operational risks:
- Complacency: WorkSafe ambassador Shane Webcke talks about the loss of his father in a workplace accident
- Chronic fatigue: Sleep and fatigue expert Professor Drew Dawson presents a seminar for both employers and workers
- Psychosocial hazards: Alcohol, drug and mental health education specialist Michael Donehue provides mental wellbeing strategies for workers.
NT WorkSafe is also encouraging all remote stations, agricultural sites and local offices to download the national campaign toolkit and pause operations for a structured 'SafeTea' break to discuss hazards and risk reporting systems over a beverage.
Learn more here.
Queensland
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland conducts its Safe Work Month program alongside Queensland Mental Health Week. This year, it is delivering its flagship WHS event, the Work Well Conference Brisbane. In addition, there are events like the Big Blue Table Breakfast in Townsville, and Uplift Queensland Wellbeing and Alcohol/Drug Literacy Workshops across Brisbane, Bundaberg and Toowoomba.
Learn more here.
South Australia
SafeWork SA is producing digital toolkits and running regional safety campaigns, including some highlighted programs like a WHS Mock Trial and an HSR Conference. There is also a focus on mine safety with the South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition.
Learn more here.
Tasmania
As part of WorkSafe Tasmania Month, WorkSafe Tasmania is holding safety brunches in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. There are also a large number of webinars available during October. Unions Tasmania is also conducting an HSR conference at the end of October.
Learn more here.
Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria runs Victoria's program, called Health and Safety Month. The program features in-person events across city and regional locations, accompanied by online webinars.
In-person events include:
- Melbourne OHS Victorian Public Service Forum featuring expert insights on leading through organisational change and preventing psychosocial harm
- Women in agriculture farm safety event in Tatura
- Tradies breakfasts in Laverton and Traralgon
- Mining and quarrying forums in Bacchus Marsh and Dandenong.
Learn more here.
Western Australia
WorkSafe WA is conducting informational webinars hosted via its SafetyLine Hub, with topics including:
- Critical risk management webinar: Inspectors will outline regulatory approaches in high-risk industries, detailing environmental and community incident prevention
- Workplace exposure limits webinar: An interactive briefing unpacking compliance expectations, stakeholder obligations, and air containment guidance specifically for the mining and general sectors
- HSR lunch and learn: An interactive technical stream on musculoskeletal system disorders aimed at helping HSRs leverage risk data and worker consultation to minimise physical workplace injuries.
Learn more here.
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