Safe Work Australia

02/06/2026

Safe work is for life 🌟

This National Safe Work Month, we’ll explore a different focus area each week through practical activities and resources to help you start conversations, reflect on what WHS means for you, and take action:

🔸For life – why WHS matters

🔸For health – what WHS protects

🔸For the future – the long-term impact

🔸For all – action across all workplaces.

Over the next couple of months, we’ll be releasing resources to help you plan ahead and get involved, so stay tuned!

Learn more about the campaign on our website ➡️ https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/national-safe-work-month

31/05/2026

Inclusive workplaces are stronger workplaces. 🏳️‍🌈

Celebrating pride month this June, we recognise the importance of creating workplaces where everyone feels safe and respected regardless of their s*x, gender identity or s*xual orientation.

We encourage everyone to join us in promoting respectful, healthy and inclusive work environments for all.

28/05/2026

We’re seeking feedback on potential options to strengthen how welding processes are regulated under WHS laws.

Share your insights and feedback on the proposed changes by visiting our Consultation Hub, reading the consultation paper and sharing your thoughts through our online survey or by making a written submission: https://consult.swa.gov.au/welding-processes

The consultation is open until 11:59 pm on 12 July 2026.

28/05/2026

To improve awareness of where asbestos may be found, Safe Work Australia is supporting the Asbestos and Silica Safety Eradication Agency’s national asbestos awareness campaign.

Despite being banned in 2003, asbestos can still be found in pre-1990 builds. If you’re working on an older site where asbestos may be present, you’re responsible for identifying, assessing, and controlling asbestos hazards in the workplace, with the aim of eliminating risks or minimising them as much as possible. This includes:

✅identifying asbestos and asbestos containing material
✅recording identified materials in an asbestos register
✅assessing the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres
✅eliminating or minimising the risks of exposure to asbestos fibres by using control measures, and
✅reviewing control measures to make sure they are working.

For more information on asbestos in the workplace and our current work on reviewing the asbestos WHS framework, visit our website: https://bit.ly/3PpU5qY

26/05/2026

This week marks the start of National Reconciliation Week – a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s theme, All In, is a call for all Australians to commit to reconciliation every single day.

24/05/2026

Don’t forget that public consultation on options to improve quad bike safety in the workplace closes next week.

Provide your feedback on the range of regulatory and non-regulatory options by Monday 1 June 2026. Read the consultation paper and make a submission or complete the online survey via Consultation Hub: https://consult.swa.gov.au/improving-the-safety-of-quad-bikes-used-in-the-workplace

245 people have died in quad bike related incidents in Australia since 2011. The majority of fatalities were the result of a collision or rollover and 43 of those killed were aged 19 or under.

We are seeking feedback on options to improve quad bike safety in the workplace.

Public consultation on a range of regulatory and non-regulatory options, their impacts, benefits and potential unintended consequences, is now open.

Share your thoughts by making a submission or completing the online questionnaire on Consultation Hub: https://consult.swa.gov.au/improving-the-safety-of-quad-bikes-used-in-the-workplace

The consultation is open until 11.59 pm (AEST), Monday 1 June 2026.

21/05/2026

🚨We’ve extended the closing date for our consultation on improving WHS for workers using crowd platforms.

The consultation will now close on Monday 1 June at 11:59 pm, so take this opportunity to share your feedback on any gaps in the regulation of crowd platform arrangements under the model WHS Act and potential ways to address these.

Read the paper and have your say on our Consultation Hub ➡️ https://consult.swa.gov.au/improving-work-health-and-safety-for-workers-using-crowd-platforms

19/05/2026

This National Road Safety Week, we reflect on the impact of vehicle incidents –the leading cause of fatalities for workers in Australia.

Whether on public roads, worksites, car parks or loading areas, managing the risks associated with vehicles is critical. Taking the time to plan, assess risks and follow safe traffic management practices helps protect lives.

Learn more in our guide to workplace traffic management: https://bit.ly/4vMp0ho

18/05/2026

What does Australia’s WHS research landscape look like today?

📑 New research reports map the evidence and highlight opportunities to strengthen research that supports safe and healthy work nationwide.

👉 Read the full suite of reports on the Safe Work Australia website: https://bit.ly/3RM035X

16/05/2026

May 17 is International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination -

Go rainbow to create safer workplaces – today and everyday 🏳️‍🌈