Building safer worksites: National Safe Work Month 2024

Working at heights, dealing with hazardous materials, and operating heavy machinery are part of daily life in these industries, meaning that not only is the risk of workplace injury is high, but the stakes are much higher, with impacts often being lifechanging. That means it’s essential to focus on risk reduction. National Safe Work Month provides an opportunity to review and update safety practices that protect your workforce while boosting productivity.

4 Key Areas for Improvement in Shutdowns, Construction, and Maintenance:

1. Enhanced Risk Management
Every safe worksite starts with thorough risk assessments, but safety doesn’t end with risk assessments. You need to conduct regular site inspections and safety audits to be sure you don’t miss new hazards or areas of non-compliance. 

Encourage your workers to report any hazards they see. Address high-risk activities like working with heavy equipment or hazardous chemicals. Taking these proactive steps is essential to preventing accidents and ensures that your team can respond swiftly and appropriately.

2. Reinforced Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE remains one of the first lines of defence against injury. However, not all workers consistently use PPE correctly. Make sure your team is well trained on the proper use and maintenance of PPE and ensure they have access to all the safety gear they need.

3. Safety Training and Education
This year’s theme, “Safety is everyone’s business”, underscores the importance of collective responsibility. Safety should not be relegated to supervisors or safety officers alone. Encourage employee engagement through regular safety training, toolbox talks, and workshops. Offering refresher courses on manual handling, equipment use, and emergency procedures can improve awareness and readiness on-site.

4. Preparedness for Emergency Situations
Even the safest worksites need robust emergency response plans. Ensure that evacuation routes are clear, and all personnel are familiar with first-aid procedures, fire safety measures, and what to do in case of accidents. Use National Safe Work Month as an opportunity to test and review your emergency protocols, making updates where necessary.

Getting Your Company Involved in National Safe Work Month 2024

To maximise the impact of this year’s safety campaign, you can take practical steps to engage your workforce and strengthen safety culture:

Safety Conversations: Host weekly safety meetings throughout October, where workers are encouraged to raise concerns and offer solutions. By fostering open communication, you create an environment where everyone feels responsible for safety.

Recognition Programs: Launch a safety recognition initiative to reward workers who consistently adhere to safety standards. Recognizing safe behaviour can incentivize others to follow suit, making safety a natural part of daily operations.

Safety Audits: Use National Safe Work Month to conduct thorough site audits. Engage your workers in identifying hazards and mitigating risks, showing that safety is truly everyone’s responsibility.

Beyond October: Sustaining a Safe Work Culture

While October highlights the importance of safety, the principles should be carried forward into every working day. In the shutdown, construction, and maintenance sectors, the benefits of a strong safety culture are clear—fewer incidents, lower downtime, and improved worker morale. Incorporating a mindset of continuous safety improvement ensures your business stays resilient and productive.

In 2024, let’s commit to making safety everyone’s business—not just for one month, but year-round. By working together, we can build safer, stronger, and more effective worksites.

For more information on how your business can take part in National Safe Work Month, visit Safe Work Australia’s National Safe Work Month page.