South Australian workplaces urged to prioritise safety during National Safe Work Month

South Australian Workplaces Urged to Prioritise Safety During National Safe Work Month

SafeWork SA is urging workplaces to begin preparing an event to promote awareness of crucial work health and safety concerns during National Safe Work Month. Businesses across sectors including construction, manufacturing and automotive are encouraged to review hazards tied to plant, equipment and daily operations before committing to a specific activity.

Why National Safe Work Month Matters

National Safe Work Month has been observed since 2009, following a significant rise in workplace fatalities in Australia, which peaked at 310 in 2007. That surge prompted a lasting national campaign focused on reducing preventable harm across every industry, from construction sites to manufacturing floors and automotive workshops.

SafeWork SA is promoting a series of events for this year's campaign, which includes a workplace competition, an incident simulation, four webinars, and two mock trials. Each activity gives South Australian employers practical ways to strengthen risk management practices and build stronger safety cultures among staff.

What the Latest Statistics Reveal

According to the most recent statistics provided by Safe Work Australia, there were 195 work-related fatalities in Australia during 2022, of which 14 were reported in South Australia. Many of these incidents involved hazardous plant, electrical equipment, or vehicles used in transport and construction settings, underscoring why sound management systems remain essential.

For South Australian businesses operating heavy plant or electrical equipment, hazardous conditions can arise quickly without proper controls. Regular risk assessments, combined with clear management protocols, help identify hazards before they escalate into serious incidents.

Practical Steps for Workplaces

Employers across construction, automotive and transport sectors should consider the following actions this month:

• Reviewing plant and electrical equipment maintenance schedules to reduce hazardous failures
• Auditing risk management procedures for tasks involving heavy plant or vehicles
• Engaging staff in webinars or mock trials to build awareness of workplace hazards
• Updating documentation to reflect current construction and transport safety standards

Workplaces are encouraged to treat this month as an opportunity to reset management priorities, particularly where hazardous plant, electrical systems or transport equipment forms part of daily operations. Learn more about how other organisations are getting involved by reading how workplaces are urged to participate in SafeWork SA activities during this year's observance.

Businesses seeking further guidance can also explore related coverage on how Australians are urged to promote safety in their workplaces, alongside details on WorkSafe visits planned during National Safe Work Month.

Learn more here.