The latest Safe Work Australia data shows that 195 Australians lost their lives at work in 2022, including 14 in South Australia.
National Safe Work Month, held annually in October since 2009, was introduced following a peak of 310 workplace deaths in 2007.
The month-long campaign encourages individuals and organisations to prioritise workplace health and safety (WHS) and take proactive measures to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Its goal is to promote a positive safety culture and underscore the importance of strong WHS practices.
Each year, the campaign focuses on a new safety theme, with each week dedicated to specific WHS topics.
The 2024 theme, “Safety is Everyone’s Business,” reinforces that a safe and healthy work environment is a fundamental right across all industries. It also highlights the business advantages of committing to safer workplaces.
The theme emphasises the benefits of effective WHS risk management for individuals, organisations, and the broader community.
This year’s events include a workplace competition, an incident simulation, four webinars, and two mock trials, all aimed at promoting safety awareness and engagement.
The South Australian Business Chamber supports SafeWork’s efforts and encourages employers to use this time to review their strategies for ensuring a safe and healthy workplace.
We offer a range of WHS courses, including “Managing WHS in the Workplace,” “Psychological Safety for Leaders,” and “Understanding Your Industrial Manslaughter Obligations,” among others.
Find out more about the South Australian Business Chamber’s courses here.