WorkSafe WA backs National Safe Work Month

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WorkSafe WA backs National Safe Work Month, reinforcing Western Australia's commitment to safer workplaces across every industry sector. The regulator says everyone has a right to go to work and come home safely.

The safety watchdog notes that Western Australian government supports National Safe Work Month "to help make this our reality." Held every October, this campaign gives businesses a dedicated period to review health and safety management practices, address workplace hazards, and strengthen protections for workers across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare settings.

WorkSafe WA's 2023 Theme: Prioritising Healthy and Safe Workplaces

WorkSafe WA's theme for the 2023 National Safe Work Month is "Our way forward: Prioritising healthy and safe workplaces." This theme reflects an ongoing push to embed health and safety management into daily operations rather than treating compliance as an afterthought.

"We are offering in person forums, with the option to join online, where you can access expert industry speakers with ideas and practical approaches to fortify your workplace," WorkSafe WA said.

These forums give safety professionals direct access to guidance on managing equipment risks, handling hazardous materials such as asbestos, and improving overall workplace health outcomes.

Weekly Focus Areas Throughout October

WorkSafe will focus on a different topic each week, with emphasis on making health and safety a priority in the workplace. Each week's event builds on practical strategies that industry leaders can apply immediately, from equipment maintenance protocols to safe handling procedures for hazardous substances.

Typical focus areas during National Safe Work Month often include:

• Health and safety management systems and how they reduce workplace hazards
• Safe equipment operation and maintenance across construction and manufacturing industry settings
• Asbestos identification and handling procedures in older buildings and industrial sites
• Mental health support and wellbeing initiatives for frontline workers
• Incident prevention through improved hazard management practices

For businesses looking to strengthen their own procedures ahead of these sessions, reviewing a rigging safe work procedure is a practical starting point, particularly for industry sectors that rely heavily on lifting equipment and structural handling tasks.

WorkSafe Excellence Awards Mark the Close of National Safe Work Month

Winners of this year's WorkSafe Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards will be announced during the last week of National Safe Work Month at Perth's Optus Stadium. This closing event recognises organisations that have demonstrated exceptional health and safety management throughout the year, setting a benchmark other Western Australian workplaces can follow.

For safety professionals wanting to track how this initiative has evolved, WorkSafe WA's continued backing of National Safe Work Month aligns with broader national efforts. Related resources on WorkSafe workplace visits during National Safe Work Month and weekly breakdowns such as Week 1 of National Safe Work Month and Week 2 of National Safe Work Month offer further detail on how each week's management focus unfolds nationally.

Why This Matters for Safety Professionals

For technical professionals managing health and safety programs, National Safe Work Month provides a structured opportunity to benchmark equipment standards, refine hazard management systems, and ensure asbestos handling protocols meet current expectations. Organisations across construction, manufacturing, and healthcare industry sectors can use this month to align internal management practices with WorkSafe WA's guidance.

Businesses preparing documentation or reviewing existing management systems ahead of October can also explore National Safe Work Month 2023 promotional resources for additional support.

Read more here.

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