National Safe Work Month 2026
October is National Safe Work Month (NSWM), a time for employers and workers across Australia to re-commit to creating safe and healthy workplaces.
Each year, the aim of National Safe Work Month is to encourage workplaces to create a safety focused culture within their organisations and ensure that all workers return home safely at the end of each day. WorkSafe ACT aims to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of health and safety in every aspect of work.
This year, WorkSafe ACT's theme for NSWM is 'Putting safety to work'.
This year’s theme is a reminder that workplace health and safety should be fully integrated into all aspects of work and remain at the forefront of decision making, to ensure risks are appropriately managed and all workers are kept safe.
Putting safety to work means creating workplaces with a positive culture around safety, with adequate training and systems in place, and where all workers feel empowered to speak up about safety. Not only does this lead to safer workplaces and better health outcomes, but it also contributes to better business and productivity.
Whether you work on a construction site, in an office, classroom, restaurant or anywhere in between.
Make sure your organisation is putting safety to work.
Throughout October, WorkSafe ACT will be releasing resources and running events as outlined below. WorkSafe ACT has also developed a digital campaign kit. This kit contains resources to help you support and promote National Safe Work Month in your workplace.
Help us spread the message this National Safe Work Month by using and sharing our resources. Find them here.
| Date | Focus |
|---|---|
Week One 5 - 11 October | In week one of National Safe Work Month, WorkSafe ACT will be hosting the latest iteration of our Industry Breakfast series, focusing on sole traders and small businesses operating within the construction industry. For more information see our event page. Resources WorkSafe ACT has developed its latest in-depth resource, the Pocket Guide to Safety in Small Business. This guide provides key information and guidance on WHS issues that small businesses commonly face. Pocket Guide to Safety in Small Business Throughout National Safe Work Month 2026, WorkSafe ACT will be releasing Safety Alerts and Data Snapshots focusing on a new key topic each week. This week's focus is WHS issues faced by small businesses in the ACT. Safety Alert: Data Snapshot: |
| Week 2 12 - 18 | This week we are highlighting psychosocial hazards, including the ways the design and management of work can cause psychological harm. Safety Alert: Data Snapshot: |
| Week 3 19 - 25 | This week's topic is falls from heights in the commercial and residential construction industry. Falls from heights are among the most common causes of injury in the ACT and can lead to serious harm or fatalities. Safety Alert: Data Snapshot: |
| Week 4 26 - 31 | This week's topic is Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs include a wide range of inflammatory and degenerative conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerves and supporting blood vessels. MSDs account for a significant proportion of accepted private sector workers’ compensation claims lodged in the ACT. Safety Alert: Data Snapshot: WorkSafe ACT is hosting its annual fundraising BBQ at Tuggeranong Bunnings on Friday 30 October 2026 from 9am to 4pm. All proceeds from the day will be donated to the Black Dog Institute. To contribute to WorkSafe ACT fundraising effort for the Black Dog Institute, click here. |
Throughout the month, we will also be supporting and fundraising for the Black Dog Institute, the only medical research institute in Australia dedicated to researching mental health across all ages. We have entered into this partnership as part of our commitment to ensuring workplaces have systems in place to protect workers from psychosocial hazards.
You can find out more about this commitment at our Bunnings BBQ fundraiser on 30 October.
More information:
On this page