Safety first, every day: Turning safety awareness into action in SA workplaces

This year’s National Safe Work Month theme is ​‘Safety: Every Job, Every Day,’ urging all workplaces — regardless of occupation, industry, location, or size — to make safety an everyday commitment.

By setting aside time for WHS during October — whether for a toolbox talk, a safety meeting, or a SafeTea event — the goal is to empower everyone to manage risks proactively. Remember, actively prioritising safety is not just best practice; it is required under WHS laws.

Why safety matters

Creating safe environments protects workers, reduces injury-related costs, and improves productivity and morale. This year’s focus reinforces the responsibility employers and workers share in managing both physical and psychosocial hazards, leading to greater well-being and mental health for all involved.

By embracing awareness, action, and accountability, we can ensure that safety remains at the heart of everything we do — this month and every month.

How to take action

During National Safe Work Month, you are encouraged to:

• Review and update WHS practices, policies, and procedures
• Engage staff in risk assessment discussions and activities throughout October
• Host SafeTea events, toolbox talks, or safety-themed meetings to promote WHS awareness

Implement effective WHS and meet your business objectives 

The Chamber’s WHS services assist employers in taking action in a range of health, safety, and wellbeing areas. 

• Tailored workplace health and safety training – our industry-leading training courses provide the skills and knowledge needed to manage WHS in the workplace, regardless of industry or business type. 
• WHS Consulting – our expert consultants provide advice and practical resources to help you with your WHS compliance, without compromising your performance targets.
• Injury Management Consulting – we can help you navigate workplace injuries and workers compensation claims.

If you have any questions or need to get immediate advice on health, safety, and wellbeing advice, you can access the Chamber’s Business Advice Hotline on 8300 0000 — free unlimited access for SA Business Chamber members. 

Learn more — full range of WHS services

AEDs mandatory from January 2026

From 1 January 2026, new legislation in SA will require Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in specific government, commercial, and privately owned facilities, with penalties of up to $20,000 for non-compliance. 

The South Australian Business Chamber is working with St John Ambulance SA to ensure all our business members have access to the right advice and are equipped to meet its safety and legal compliance obligations.

As a Chamber member, you can speak to the AED experts at St John to understand your business needs, and access free advice and site assessments as well as up to 30% off RRP, with a minimum 10% discount across all AED devices and accessories, among other member-only benefits.

If you are not a member and you are interested in unlocking this offer, along with a suite of other business-saving benefits, you can become a member today for as little as $49 a month.

Access St John’s member-only offer