Queenslanders need to work safely 365 days a year

• National Safe Work Month runs from 1 October – 31 October 2024.
• As part of Safe Work Month, Queensland businesses and workers are urged to prioritise safety.
• Maintaining a safe place of work is good for businesses, good for workers and good for the community.

Workplaces across Queensland are encouraged to take part in National Safe Work Month this October to help save lives and reduce the cost of work-related injury and illness.

National Safe Work Month is the ideal time to refocus on health and safety in the workplace, ensure your business is focused on best practice rehabilitation and return to work practices and commit to making workplace health and safety a central part of doing business in Queensland.

The latest national statistics show there were 51 workplace fatalities recorded in 2023 in Queensland. Of these, 39 fatalities were covered under work health and safety or electrical safety legislation.

Most fatalities occurred in the 35 – 54-year age group, while thirty-five of these unnecessary deaths involved a vehicle. The most common occupation for fatalities were machinery operators and drivers.

Work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses have a big impact on individuals, their families, and the broader community. One workplace fatality is one too many.

Safe Work Australia data shows that each year up to 200 workers die as a result of work-related incidents and around 120,000 workers are compensated for a serious work-related injury or illness.

In Queensland, there were 33,832 serious workers’ compensation claims in the 2022/2023 financial year. Of these, 26,526 claims were for injuries and 7,306 claims were for diseases and conditions. Most of the serious claims – defined as compensated for five days or more, occurred in the 35–54-year age group.

Even if you're self-employed, you're legally responsible for the health and safety of yourself and everyone who visits your place of work under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

All workers have the right to a healthy and safe working environment, regardless of their occupation or how they are engaged.

Safe Work Month 2024 will feature a full program of work health and safety and return to work events including our Work Well Conference, Work Well Regional Breakfast Forums, and Work Well Speaker Series.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) offers a range of resources, guides and practical tools to help Queensland business and workers create safe and healthy workplaces that are free from physical and psychological harm.

Get involved and find out more information about Safe Work Month 2024.

Quotes attributable to WHSQ Deputy Director General, Donna Heelan:

“Safety is everyone’s business and must be a priority in the workplace.

“This Safe Work Month take the time to talk about workplace health and safety with your team, your family and your colleagues.

“We know that if you take action to talk about safety and to raise the importance of safety in the workplace, workers are more likely to be proactive and follow safety procedures and manage the risks.

“Individuals and organisations can work together to protect workers’ mental and physical health by eliminating and managing risks at work, and ensuring all workers are supported in a safe and healthy workplace.

“Work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses have a big impact on individuals, their families, and the broader community. One workplace fatality is one too many.

“We need to work together to reduce incidents in the workplace and consequently make all our lives better.

“We all have a right to come home safe and healthy at the end of every working day.

“We urge Queenslanders to engage with Safe Work Month, – it may just save a life.

“There really is something for everyone on offer during the month with a jam-packed program, topics include artificial intelligence and safety in the workplace, preventing and managing fatigue in the workplace, the essentials of work health and safety communication, safety leadership, injury management and return to work schemes – and much more.”

Media contact: OIRMedia@oir.qld.gov.au or 0478 33 22 00

For more information go to www.worksafe.qld.gov.au