National Safe Work Month 2025

October is National Safe Work Month. There have been new regulatory changes in New South Wales, and significant enforcement actions across the whole of Australia to be aware of.

Key Highlights

1. National Safe Work Month Begins. October marks National Safe Work Month, led by Safe Work Australia (SWA). This year’s theme emphasizes proactive hazard identification and risk management. Organizations are encouraged to host toolbox talks or “SafeTea” sessions using SWA’s resources to engage workers in safety discussions. The WHS Act states that businesses must consult with workers on health and safety matters, and tool box talks and safety sessions are useful for management to raise and hear issues to be discussed.

   
   

2. NSW WHS Regulation 2025 Updates New South Wales introduced amendments to the WHS Regulation 2025, effective this month. Key changes focus on managing psychosocial risks (e.g., workplace stress, workplace bullying) and stricter controls for crystalline silica exposure. Businesses must review their WHS policies to ensure compliance with these updated requirements.

   
   

3. Enforcement Actions and Compliance Focus Recent inspections by WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW targeted fall risks, scaffolding safety, and chemical handling. Penalties were issued for non-compliance with bonding, earthing, and flammable-liquid storage protocols. Companies are urged to audit these areas to avoid fines and ensure worker safety. Sadly, there have been a large number of court cases in NSW and VIC concerning injuries and fatalities from falls and collisions with moving plant.

   
   

4. Model WHS Law Review Submission Deadline SWA’s ongoing review of national WHS laws invites stakeholder input. Submissions are due by 3 November 2025. Organizations should nominate a representative to contribute feedback to shape future safety regulations. Everyone can have a say.

   
   

Recommended Actions for Managers

• Conduct Hazard Identification: Organize a toolbox talk or “SafeTea” event using SWA’s provided materials to identify workplace hazards and discuss solutions and recommendations. The WHS Act requires that management must listen to these suggestions before taking actions to resolve the matter.

• Audit Safety Systems: Inspect fall-prevention measures and scaffold setups to ensure compliance with safety standards.

  
  

• Ensure NSW Compliance: Update policies to align with the new WHS Regulation 2025, particularly for psychosocial risks and silica exposure.

  
  

• Contribute to SWA Review: Appoint a team member to prepare a submission for the model WHS law review by 3 November 2025.

  
  

• Verify Chemical Safety: Check bonding, earthing, and supervision protocols for flammable liquids and hazardous chemicals.

  
  

Sources: Safe Work Australia, WorkSafe Victoria, SafeWork NSW, Workplace Health & Safety Queensland, WorkSafe ACT, Comcare

If you are interested in organizing training to help with any of these Regulator recommendations, please contact Courtenell at 02 9552 2066 or email your regular Courtenell technical expert.