National Safe Work Month calls for safer workplaces

Stay safe at work, take part in National Safe Work Month this October

Everyone wants to get up, go to work and come home safely, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. While Australia is regarded as one of the safest places to work, last year alone saw 190 work-related fatalities, 93% of which were male.¹

As National Safe Work Month has already kicked off in Australia, it is time to start thinking about what contribution you will make to your workplace, to ensure you and your colleagues stay safe at work.

This year’s theme for National Safe Work Month is “A moment is all it takes.” And too right, a moment really is all it takes! It’s that all important split second decision that you make, your instinctive fight or flight response. So why not take a moment to prevent safety incidents in your workplace?

Last year, there were 49 work-related fatalities of employees aged 55-64.¹ That is three times more than those aged 25 and under (16 fatalities). As much as these are statistics, they’re also people. A sibling, parent, grandparent. How would you feel, knowing your loved ones death could’ve been prevented? A moment is all it takes…

Not only are work-related fatalities devastating to all involved, they also represent a significant strain on the Australian economy. From 2012 to 2013, work-related injuries and diseases cost the Australian economy $61.8 billion with the average case valued upwards of $90k.² This is why campaigns like National Work Safety Month are so important in raising awareness of workplace safety in our community.

So what can you do to prevent a work-related injury, fatality or disease, you ask?

This National Safe Work Month, commit to taking a safety moment every day in your workplace. It could be as simple as spending a few minutes before the start of the day, talking with your team about the hazards and risks in your workplace and how to prevent harm. Placing posters on your office walls and sharing informative emails around the workplace that promote the importance of workplace safety and what it means to you.

Feeling lucky?

Safe Work Australia have a fantastic initiative which offers workplaces between $2,000 and $20,000 to help fund great work health and safety projects. The best projects will win their funding bid and go in the running to win an additional $5,000 People’s Choice Award. Head over to their website for more information on how to apply!

As a nation, let’s take this opportunity to show the world that we truly are the greatest (and safest) place to work in the world. A moment is all it takes, so use it wisely.