October is Safe Work Month
Safe Work Australia has released the 2026 National Safe Work Month activity kit, providing workplaces with practical activities and discussion prompts to help turn conversations about work health and safety (WHS) into action.
This year’s theme is ‘safe work is for life’ and it highlights that WHS is about more than preventing harm in the moment; it’s about protecting workers’ lives, health and future throughout their working lives.
Schools present a wide range of workplace WHS challenges – from psychosocial injury, bodily injury, exposure to various substances or fumes and even unexpected situations such as the recent recall of colour sands containing asbestos.
HSRs at your worksite are vital
Having a dedicated HSR in your workplace can go a long way to ensuring your health and safety concerns are heard and addressed.
Employers are responsible for the cost of HSR training and the HSR has the right to choose where they receive your training (in consultation with your employer).
HSR training can be undertaken through various recognised trainers. The IEU recommends SA Unions as a training organisation, given its strong understanding of workers’ rights.
If you have any questions about becoming a HSR or concerns about health and safety in your workplace, contact our office – enquiries@ieusa.org.au or 8410 0122.
