WorkSafe to visit workplaces during national safe work month

WorkSafe Victoria to Visit Workplaces During National Safe Work Month

WorkSafe Victoria will tour workplaces across the State throughout National Safe Work Month to raise awareness of workplace health and safety. October is National Safe Work Month, and this year's campaign puts a strong focus on practical guidance for employers and workers alike.

Key topics being addressed during visits include:

• Workplace mental health and psychological wellbeing
• Hazardous manual tasks and risk management in construction settings
• Rights of migrant workers across various industry sectors
• Drugs and alcohol management in the workplace

Why National Safe Work Month Matters for Health and Safety

WorkSafe Chief Executive Colin Radford said National Safe Work Month gives businesses a dedicated opportunity to focus on workplace health and safety, OHS obligations, and risk reduction strategies.

"Protecting workers from physical and psychological harm is the most important part of any business, which is why we've dedicated a month to tour the state and deliver our message to as many Victorians as possible," Mr Radford said.

This initiative reflects a broader trend among safety regulators nationally. Similar campaigns, such as those run by WorkSafe WA, SafeWork SA and NT WorkSafe, demonstrate how safe work month has become a coordinated, nationwide push for stronger health and safety management across all industries.

Focus Areas: Mental Health, Manual Tasks and Migrant Worker Rights

Mental health support remains a priority for OHS practitioners this month. WorkSafe representatives will discuss how businesses can build management systems that identify psychological hazards early, alongside physical risk factors common in construction and manufacturing environments.

Hazardous manual tasks pose ongoing risk to workers across construction, healthcare and industry more broadly. Effective management of these tasks requires proper training, equipment and OHS advice tailored to each worksite.

Migrant workers often face unique barriers to understanding their workplace rights. WorkSafe's visits aim to ensure every worker, regardless of background, understands health protections available under Victorian law.

Building a Safer Workplace Culture Beyond October

National Safe Work Month serves as a timely reminder that health and safety management should be embedded in daily operations, not treated as a once-a-year exercise. Businesses in construction, manufacturing and healthcare sectors are encouraged to review their risk management frameworks, seek professional OHS advice, and update safety documentation regularly.

For organisations planning ahead, resources on National Safe Work Month offers can support ongoing compliance efforts well beyond October. Details on previous campaigns, including 2023, 2024 and 2025, illustrate the consistent industry-wide commitment to improving workplace health outcomes year after year.

Visit the WorkSafe Victoria website for further details on scheduled workplace visits and available safety resources.