​COMCARE’S 2023 Work Health and Safety Year in Review Report Published

COMCARE's 2023 Work Health and Safety Year in Review Report Published

COMCARE has published its 2023 Work Health and Safety Year in Review report, showcasing compliance and enforcement activities carried out throughout the Commonwealth jurisdiction across safety innovations and highlights of 2023.

“The review provides an overview of our 2023 regulatory activities including WHS incidents, inspectorate activities, monitoring and compliance activities, education and engagement and other programs of work,” the federal WHS regulator said.

“Reviewing our past performance allows us to improve our services and to identify and address needs within our scheme. This includes looking at emerging evidence to validate our regulatory approach or to change course where necessary.”

New WHS Regulations Address Psychological Health and Safety

COMCARE has indicated that one key aspect of the 2023 review involves establishment of new WHS Regulations, which set out guidelines for employers to identify and address hazards and risks impacting psychological health and safety of their workforce.

These regulations strengthen risk management practices across Commonwealth entities, requiring organisations to build robust management systems that address both physical and psychological hazards. Effective management of workplace risks remains central to reducing incidents and supporting worker wellbeing throughout Australia.

For employers seeking practical guidance on meeting these obligations, a structured Work Health and Safety Manual (WHSM) can support consistent management of WHS obligations across an organisation, while a documented Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy helps formalise management commitment to safety outcomes.

Why This Review Matters for Safety Professionals

Safety professionals across construction, manufacturing and healthcare sectors rely on reports like this to benchmark their own management practices against Commonwealth standards. Understanding how COMCARE approaches management of psychological hazards can inform local risk management strategies, regardless of jurisdiction.

Comparing this report against state-based data, such as the latest NT work health and safety statistics published or earlier key 2020-21 NT work health and safety statistics, offers valuable context for organisations managing WHS compliance across multiple regions.

Organisations wanting to strengthen their own compliance documentation may also benefit from reviewing a comprehensive WHS Policy template tailored to their sector's management needs.

Stay Engaged With Industry Events

Safety professionals looking to deepen their understanding of WHS management trends may also find value attending the Workplace Health and Safety Show, or reviewing outcomes from the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2023 Promotion.

The COMCARE WHS Year in Review 2023 report is accessible here.