This October is Safe Work Month, and it's the perfect opportunity for the industry to reflect, regroup, and have a focus on site in day to day discussions on workplace safety.

Safety should always be at the forefront of our minds, especially in the construction industry.

Industry has made significant strides over the last two decades and workplace safety incidents on sites are continuing to trend downwards – but it's essential that we as the industry continue to take steps to manage risks and keep our workplaces and workers safe and healthy.

That’s why National Safe Work Month is important as a reminder, an opportunity or just a good reason to chat with your workmates about it – remember if you see something on site like a scaffold plank been moved on a nail sticking up from a bit of timber – don’t walk by it – safety on site is a responsibility for all of us.

To support the industry and help with the focus on safety on site, the key themes for safe work month we will discuss are the importance of safe work practices, the role of mental health in the workplace, and strategies to support all workers.

Working together to manage risks at work

One of the most effective ways to prevent injuries and fatalities at work is through regular risk assessments. Risk management is the safety net for our workplaces.

Conducting a risk assessment means identifying potential hazards, assessing the risks, and deciding on control measures. It's important to involve all staff in this process.

Engaging with your workers each step of the way ensures that everyone is aware of the risks and has a say in the control measures.

So remember to work together and communicate clearly with your staff to reduce risks and prevent incidents from happening.

Start with understanding things like:

• implementing the hierarchy of control
• the development of Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for high risk work tasks
• spotting workplace hazards such as the risks of:
  • working in heat
  • identifying asbestos on-site
• chatting with your team about:
• scaffolding safety basics
• safe use of portable ladders
• using hand and power tools safely

As well as sizing up the risks is the first step in the right direction.

Working together to protect workers’ mental health

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it's essential that we protect workers' psychological well-being.

It's important to create a work environment that promotes mental well-being. Employers should consider factors such as workload, resources, and support systems to reduce workplace stress and promote a positive work culture.

We can all do our bit to ensure worksites and offices are supportive places where everyone can thrive and feel appreciated.

Find out more about how to look after your own mental health and keep an eye out for your mates.

Working together to support all workers

All workers have the right to be safe at work, and it's our responsibility as employers to ensure that they are. Factors such as being younger, working alone, or being from a culturally and linguistically diverse background can impact workers' vulnerability to workplace hazards.

It's essential to develop strategies that support all workers, regardless of their background or work status. As employers, we have a duty to ensure that our workplaces are inclusive and safe for everyone.

So don’t leave anyone behind, and keep it real and safe everyone, so not just assuming all workers have some level of knowledge and understanding of things that happen on site all the time and making sure we’re all up-to-date on basic safety methods like:

• Safe use of nail guns
• Manual handling safety
• Scaffold safety basics
• Manage the risk of falling from roofs
• Sun protection and extreme heat.

Working together to ensure a safe and healthy workplace

While physical hazards are well known and managed on site daily, other hazards like minimising workers exposure to hazardous dusts are just as critical. It's essential to stay informed by:

• understanding silica dust hazards and solutions
• completing a safe work method statement when using silica
• attending silica awareness workshops
• gearing up with face masks and respiratory protective equipment
• managing mental health at work.

As work methods and patterns evolve and new forms of work emerge, our WHS approach needs to adapt.