WorkSafe urges Victorian employers to put safety first this festive season

WorkSafe Victoria recently called on employers across the state to prioritise health and safety at work during the end of year festive season.

WorkSafe Victoria has urged workers not to let year-end pressure become an excuse to compromise on safety. Many teams face tight deadlines as projects wind down before the break, but rushing tasks or skipping checks on equipment raises the risk of harm on site.

Why Victorian Workplaces Are Being Urged to Stay Safe

Statistics from the Victorian workplace safety watchdog indicate that from 2018 to 2021, 28 workers died and WorkSafe accepted 15,168 injury claims across November and December. These figures highlight why Victorian workplaces are being urged to slow down, follow procedures and put safety first, even when the pace of work picks up.

Every industry faces unique pressures during this busy season, from construction sites racing to finish builds before the holiday shutdown, to manufacturing floors managing increased output. Regardless of sector, well-maintained equipment, clear communication and a genuine commitment to health and safety remain essential.

Let's Put 2022 Safely Behind Us

"Let's Put 2022 Safely Behind Us" is a safety campaign run by WorkSafe to remind Victorian workplaces to continue prioritising health and safety through the holiday period. The campaign encourages employers to review workplace practices, inspect equipment and reinforce safe systems of work before the seasonal rush intensifies.

Key actions Victorian employers can take include:

• Reviewing risk assessments for tasks that involve machinery or equipment
• Reinforcing safe work procedures with staff before the holiday break
• Checking that equipment used across busy periods is properly maintained
• Encouraging supervisors to monitor fatigue and workload across the season

Time pressure during this season should never come at the cost of worker health. Industry bodies, safety regulators and employers all share responsibility for maintaining safe conditions, particularly when deadlines tighten and equipment use increases.

Supporting a Safer Festive Season

Employers looking to strengthen their approach can review resources such as a reminder to NT workplaces to put safety first this holiday season or learn how workplaces are urged to make safety a priority this festive season. Seasonal safety campaigns are not limited to Victoria; WorkSafe has also urged farmers to prioritise safety during the harvest season, reflecting a consistent nationwide push for health and safety across every industry. Practical tools can also help Victorian employers manage risk more effectively across busy periods. An Electrical Safety Policy supports safe use of equipment on site, while a First Aid Policy ensures teams remain prepared should an incident occur. For workplaces relying on equipment daily, an Electrical Safety Checklist - NZ offers a straightforward way to confirm equipment remains safe before use. Employers seeking broader digital solutions may also benefit from exploring dedicated Safety Software to streamline compliance across the season.

Victorians across every industry are encouraged to keep safety front of mind as 2022 draws to a close. Simple, consistent action, from equipment checks to open conversations about workload, can help set the standard for a safer year ahead.

Read the full story on the WorkSafe Victoria website. For further assistance with workplace safety documentation, visit our support page.