Step off the sidelines and stand up for safety during Safe Work Month

If you are serious about safety, then why not host and register your own Safe Work Month event this year.

October is Safe Work Month in Queensland with numerous events and activities highlighting and promoting safety in the workplace.

Head of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Craig Allen is urging Queenslanders to be safety champions committed to improving workplace health and safety.

“Don't stand on the sidelines this October, host your own Safe Work Month event at your workplace,” Mr Allen said.

“You can organise simple events like toolbox talks, morning teas or workplace barbeques, or go all out and put on a conference with expert speakers.

“The idea is to raise awareness about safety at work and get everyone to embrace a positive safety culture at your workplace.”

Safe Work Month kicks off on 2 October with a free community breakfast in Brisbane's King George Square. It also features regional breakfast forums across the state, as well as the popular Injury Prevention and Return to Work Conference (16 October) and Masterclasses (15 October), along with the Safe Work and Return to Work Awards Ceremony (9 October).

“We should always be thinking about safety, but during Safe Work Month we really try to connect with people and push this important issue,” Mr Allen said.

“Our safety ambassadors Shane Webcke and Libby Trickett and our team of  Safety Advocates are doing their bit to deliver important messages around our state because we all have the right to a safe workplace and  to come home safely at the end of a shift.

“Sadly, each year around 17 Queenslanders die as a result of a workplace injury and over 5,000 suffer a permanent injury. Many of these injuries and deaths are preventable.

“Queenslanders let's all step off the sidelines and stand up for safe work, especially during October.”

Workplaces that host their own Safe Work Month event can download an easy-to-use kit, which includes a planning checklist, event flyer, media release, invites, social media tiles and a playlist.

Workplaces also can book Safety Advocates for their events for free. However, it's best to book early as the advocates are in high demand during October. Our advocates share personal stories of the impact that an injury to themselves, or the death of a family member, has had on their lives. These powerful messages encourage us to think about why work safety must be a priority for everyone.