2026 National Safe Work Month theme announced

‘Safe work is for life’ has been announced as the theme for October’s National Safe Work Month, Safe Work Australia (SWA) has announced. The theme acknowledges that WHS is about more than preventing harm in the moment, it’s about protecting workers’ lives, health and future.

“Safe work is for life reflects the fundamental purpose of WHS: to prevent work-related death, injury and illness, while also recognising the long-term impact workplace harm can have on workers, families, businesses and communities,” SWA said in its announcement of the theme.

“188 workers tragically lost their lives due to traumatic injuries in 2024, and there were 146,700 serious workers’ compensation claims in 2023–24. That’s more than 400 serious claims a day across Australia.

“Each of these numbers represents a life altered by a workplace incident that could have been prevented. Work should never cost someone their life, their health, or their ability to live fully outside of work.

“Every worker deserves to return home safely, and every workplace can make a meaningful difference through genuine consultation, proactive risk management, and sustained long-term commitment to safety.”

To support workplaces to reflect on what ‘Safe work is for life’ means for them and to take action to reduce serious injuries, illnesses and fatalities in Australian workplaces — for life — SWA said it will provide resources and practical tools.

More information on the 2026 National Safe Work Month is available at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/national-safe-work-month.

Image credit: iStock.com/AndreyPopov. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.