About National Safe Work Month

National Safe Work Month, held annually in October, encourages workplaces around Australia to prioritise WHS and take action to reduce the number of work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Throughout the campaign we also demonstrate how safe and healthy work benefits workers and employers, their families and the broader community

Our latest data shows that in 2023, 200 workers in Australia were fatally injured at work and there were 139,000 workers’ compensation claims for serious injuries and illnesses. 

While injury and fatality rates have fallen significantly over the last decade, the people and the stories behind these numbers remind us not to be complacent.  No job should be unsafe, and no workplace death or injury is acceptable. 

A safe and healthy workplace is a fundamental right. That’s why each year, in October, we recognise National Safe Work Month to raise awareness of WHS and take action to achieve our vision of safe and healthy work for all.

This year’s theme, safety: every job, every day, encourages all workplaces – regardless of occupation, industry, location, and size – to prioritise safety in their job every day. Practicing safety: every job, every day means we can reduce the rate of fatalities, serious injuries and illnesses in our workplaces and ensure everyone gets home safely from work.

Throughout October we’ll be stepping through the risk management process – identify hazards, assess risks, control risks, and review controls – with practical resources and activities to set you up for safety in every job, every day during October and beyond. 

National Safe Work Month is all about raising awareness of WHS and why it matters. Whether you’re a seasoned safety champion or feeling unsure about duties, legal responsibilities and managing risks, National Safe Work Month is a great opportunity to discuss, review and commit to safety in every job, every day. 

We’ll be updating our website with more information and resources to help you participate in National Safe Work Month, so be sure to subscribe to our emails and follow us on social media for all the latest news. 

Safe Work Australia is a national policy body representing the interests of the Commonwealth, states and territories, as well as workers and employers. We develop national policy to improve WHS and workers’ compensation arrangements across Australia.

As a national policy body, we don’t regulate WHS laws or administer workers’ compensation arrangements. The Commonwealth, states and territories regulate and enforce WHS laws and administer workers’ compensation schemes in their jurisdictions.

Learn more about Safe Work Australia on our About us page.