October is National Safe Work Month, with Safe Work Australia CEO Michelle Baxter launching the campaign in a video message, asking workers to have a conversation, share stories, and raise awareness of workplace health and safety.

The month encourages all Australians to make health and safety a priority in their workplace to reduce the instances of injury, disease, and death.

Baxter said the campaign has been running for more than 10 years and during that time there has been a steady decline in the number of workplace injuries and death, however there are around 200 workplace deaths each year.

“We can do better than this,” she said.

“We can improve these statistics and this can start with a simple conversation. The more we talk about work health and safety the more it becomes a normal part of our conversation and everyday work life.”

Work health and safety regulators in each state and territory are holding several events throughout the month, with further information, resources, and seminars available through the Safe Work Australia website.

“During October our seminars will feature conversations about workplace mental health, work-related fatigue, safety for emergency services personnel, and Indigenous-led work safety. Share them with your colleagues to start a conversation and raise awareness.”

Queensland industrial relations minister Ignazia (Grace) Grace said events such as casual toolbox talks at morning tea, breakfast forums, and major conferences featuring expert speakers will be held throughout the month.

“It’s about embracing workplace safety and raising awareness of this very important issue,” she said.

Grace also highlighted the Safe Work and Return to Work Awards ceremony to be held in Brisbane on October 18.

“We want to honour those people and businesses that go above and beyond in the pursuit of safety and share their successful strategies to encourage others to follow suit.”

National Safe Work Month kicks off; shines spotlight on workplace safety by Sharon Masige.  Available from <https://safetowork.com.au/national-safe-work-month-kicks-off-shines-spotlight-on-workplace-safety/> [October 04, 2016]