Working together for health and safety this October

During October each year, Safe Work Australia asks businesses, employers and workers across Australia to join National Safe Work Month and commit to building safe and healthy workplaces for all Australians.

This year’s theme, Work Health and Safety through COVID-19, acknowledges and reflects the wide-reaching impacts of the pandemic on Australian businesses, employers and workers.

Workplaces have had to quickly adapt their practices and procedures to reduce the WHS risks arising from COVID-19 and to manage the psychological effects of the pandemic on workers.

The National Safe Work Month theme highlights the WHS challenges, as well as the positive outcomes brought on by the pandemic and the significant role WHS plays in keeping workers safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Join National Safe Work Month and support work health and safety through COVID-19.

Whatever the industry or workplace – everyone can join National Safe Work Month and commit to keeping people safe and healthy at work. A safe workplace benefits everyone and it’s easy to get involved.

WHS and COVID-19

The Safe Work Australia website provides a range of national WHS guidance and tools that workplaces can use to minimise the health and safety risks posed by COVID-19.

The website has guidance relevant to more than 30 industries and covers physical distancing, personal protective equipment, cleaning, workers’ compensation, how to conduct risk assessments and design emergency plans, as well as providing case studies to help explain how to manage the risks of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Safe Work Australia have also created a COVID-19 kit which includes a range of resources you can display in your workplace, including infographics, fact sheets and posters on handwashing, hygiene and physical distancing.