October is National Safe Work Month – an opportunity to promote safety and inclusion in all workplaces across Canberra.
This year's theme, 'every job, every day', is a powerful reminder that workplace safety should be at the forefront of every task, role and decision.
Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations Michael Pettersson said the ACT Government is committed to standing up for the rights of all workers.
"Every Canberran has the right to work in a safe environment, whether that's in an office, on a construction site or as part of a frontline service," Minister Pettersson said.
"National Safe Work Month highlights the importance of creating a strong safety culture in every workplace.
"It is the responsibility of all employers to ensure workplace health and safety and prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths."
The ACT Government is committed to strengthening workplace safety in Canberra and has been at the forefront of a range of initiatives and reforms, including:
- An advertising campaign to promote respectful interactions with frontline workers, including bus drivers, teachers, and healthcare workers.
- Strengthening silica safety laws and banning engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels.
- Improving codes of practice and other guidance about how to manage psychosocial hazards like stress and bullying.
- Developing a code of practice to help workplaces manage risks of working in extreme temperatures.
This year's National Safe Work Month includes weekly areas of focus, including mental health; effective communication and collaboration; construction industry activities and safety practices; inclusion; and safety innovations.
