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Mid-Year Audit Planning: Aligning Strategy With WHS Trends

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

As the financial year gets underway, many Australian businesses are focused on budgets, growth plans, and operational priorities. However, the middle of the year is also an ideal time to assess another critical area of business performance, Work Health and Safety (WHS).

A mid-year WHS audit is more than a compliance exercise. It provides an opportunity to evaluate how effectively your current safety systems are working, identify emerging risks, and ensure your business is keeping pace with changing workplace expectations.

With evolving legislation, increased regulatory scrutiny, and new workplace risks continuing to emerge, businesses that review their WHS strategy mid-year are better positioned to protect their workers, maintain compliance, and support long-term business success.

Why Conduct a Mid-Year WHS Audit?

Annual reviews are important, but waiting until the end of the year to evaluate your safety systems can allow issues to persist for months.

A mid-year audit enables business owners to:

  • Identify gaps before they become compliance issues.
  • Review incident and near-miss trends from the first half of the year.
  • Assess whether existing controls remain effective.
  • Confirm that policies reflect current workplace activities.
  • Ensure workers have completed required training and competency refreshers.
  • Prepare for regulator inspections or external audits.

Rather than reacting to incidents, businesses can proactively strengthen their safety management systems.

WHS Trends Australian Businesses Should Consider

Workplaces continue to evolve, and so do the risks they face. During your mid-year review, consider whether your safety approach reflects current WHS trends.

  1. Greater Focus on Psychosocial Hazards

Mental health has become a key component of workplace safety.

Psychosocial hazards, including excessive workloads, workplace bullying, poor communication, fatigue, and role ambiguity, are now recognised as WHS risks that require the same level of attention as physical hazards.

Business owners should review:

  • Workload management
  • Employee wellbeing initiatives
  • Reporting processes
  • Leadership capability
  • Workplace culture

Addressing psychosocial risks early can improve both employee wellbeing and organisational performance.

  1. Increased Regulator Expectations

Australian WHS regulators continue to increase inspections and enforcement activities across many industries.

Businesses are expected to demonstrate not only that policies exist but that they are actively implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

Documentation should clearly show:

  • Risk assessments
  • Consultation with workers
  • Incident investigations
  • Corrective actions
  • Training records
  • Maintenance schedules

Strong records provide evidence that safety responsibilities are being effectively managed.

  1. Better Use of Safety Data

Many organisations now use safety data to identify trends before incidents occur.

Rather than focusing solely on injury statistics, businesses are monitoring:

  • Near misses
  • Hazard reports
  • Safety observations
  • Corrective action completion rates
  • Training compliance
  • Equipment inspections

Reviewing this information during a mid-year audit helps identify recurring issues that may otherwise go unnoticed.

  1. Contractor and Supply Chain Safety

Many businesses rely on contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to deliver services.

A mid-year audit should confirm that contractor management processes remain effective, including:

  • Prequalification requirements
  • Inductions
  • Safe work procedures
  • Insurance documentation
  • Competency verification
  • Ongoing supervision

Managing contractor safety reduces risk across the entire operation.

Key Areas to Review During Your Mid-Year Audit

A structured audit provides a clear picture of your current WHS performance.

Consider reviewing:

Safety Management System

  • Policies and procedures
  • Risk management processes
  • Emergency plans
  • Safe work instructions

Workplace Inspections

  • Housekeeping standards
  • Plant and equipment condition
  • Hazard identification
  • Maintenance records

Training and Competency

  • New employee inductions
  • Refresher training
  • High-risk work licences
  • First aid qualifications

Incident Management

  • Incident reporting procedures
  • Investigation quality
  • Corrective action follow-up
  • Lessons learned

Worker Consultation

Consulting workers is a fundamental part of effective WHS management.

Review whether employees are:

  • Reporting hazards
  • Participating in safety meetings
  • Contributing to risk assessments
  • Providing feedback on controls

Workers often identify practical improvements that management may overlook.

Turning Audit Findings Into Action

The value of an audit lies in what happens after it is completed.

Prioritise findings according to risk, assign responsibilities, establish realistic timeframes, and monitor progress until actions are complete.

Business owners should also communicate improvements to employees. Demonstrating that concerns lead to meaningful action helps strengthen trust and encourages ongoing participation in workplace safety.

The Business Benefits of Mid-Year WHS Reviews

An effective WHS audit delivers more than regulatory compliance.

Businesses often experience:

  • Reduced workplace incidents
  • Improved operational efficiency
  • Lower workers’ compensation costs
  • Better employee engagement
  • Stronger reputation with clients and stakeholders
  • Greater confidence during regulator inspections

When safety becomes part of strategic planning rather than simply an administrative requirement, it contributes directly to business resilience and long-term performance.

Final Thoughts

Mid-year provides an ideal opportunity to step back and assess whether your WHS systems are supporting both your people and your business objectives.

By reviewing current performance, responding to emerging WHS trends, and addressing gaps before they escalate, Australian business owners can create safer workplaces while strengthening compliance and operational performance.

Rather than viewing a WHS audit as a once-a-year obligation, consider it an ongoing strategy that helps your business adapt, improve, and thrive in an evolving regulatory and workplace environment.

Learn more about audit readiness and use our free checklist to help with your mid-year audit plan.

Fixed Plant Safety

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

Workplace safety has always been a legal and moral responsibility for Australian businesses, but Queensland’s Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is placing an even stronger emphasis on proactive compliance over the coming years. Through its WHS Compliance and Field Services Proactive Compliance Program 2024–2027, WHSQ is targeting high-risk industries and hazards before incidents occur, rather than simply responding after something goes wrong. The program is designed to improve compliance through education, inspections and enforcement in sectors where workers face the greatest risks.

One of the key hazards identified throughout the program is the safe use of plant, including fixed plant. For businesses operating manufacturing facilities, warehouses, food processing plants, distribution centres and other industrial workplaces, this is a timely reminder that plant safety should remain a priority, not just for compliance, but for protecting people.

What is Fixed Plant?

Fixed plant refers to machinery or equipment that is permanently installed or anchored in place to perform industrial or production tasks. Unlike mobile plant such as forklifts or excavators, fixed plant generally remains stationary throughout its operational life.

Common examples include:

  • Conveyor systems
  • Industrial presses
  • Production machinery
  • Fixed lifting equipment
  • Pallet racking systems
  • Packaging equipment
  • Automated manufacturing lines
  • Refrigeration plant
  • Crushers and processing equipment

While fixed plant may appear less hazardous because it doesn’t move around a worksite, the reality is that these machines are involved in many serious workplace injuries every year.

Why Fixed Plant Presents Significant Risks

Serious incidents involving fixed plant often occur because hazards become part of the everyday work environment. Workers may become familiar with equipment and unknowingly accept unsafe practices over time.

Common hazards include:

  • Contact with moving parts
  • Entanglement in rotating machinery
  • Crushing points
  • Unexpected start-up during maintenance
  • Poorly maintained guarding
  • Stored energy hazards
  • Inadequate lockout/tagout procedures
  • Failure to isolate machinery before servicing

These risks can lead to catastrophic injuries including amputations, crush injuries and fatalities.

Importantly, many of these incidents are entirely preventable through effective risk management and safe systems of work.

Fixed Plant Features in WHSQ’s Compliance Strategy

The WHSQ Proactive Compliance Program identifies use of plant as one of Queensland’s priority hazard areas. The regulator is focusing on improving how businesses identify hazards, manage risks and implement effective controls around plant and machinery. This forms part of a broader, risk-based compliance strategy aimed at reducing serious workplace injuries and improving safety outcomes across priority industries.

As the program rolls out, inspectors are conducting targeted campaigns across industries including manufacturing, construction, transport and warehousing. Depending on the industry, inspections may examine machinery guarding, maintenance practices, worker training, consultation processes and the effectiveness of safety management systems.

For transport and warehousing, WHSQ has specifically identified fixed plant such as conveyor systems, fixed racking and shelving, fixed lifting equipment and refrigeration systems as inspection priorities during compliance campaigns.

What Inspectors Are Looking For

During workplace inspections, WHSQ inspectors are typically assessing whether businesses are effectively managing risks rather than simply having paperwork in place.

Areas commonly reviewed include:

  • Machine guarding and physical barriers
  • Safe operating procedures
  • Lockout and isolation systems
  • Maintenance and inspection records
  • Worker competency and training
  • Risk assessments
  • Consultation with Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
  • Emergency stop systems
  • Housekeeping around machinery
  • Compliance with relevant Codes of Practice

Inspectors may issue improvement notices, prohibition notices or financial penalties where significant safety breaches are identified.

Building a Proactive Safety Culture

One of the most significant shifts within the 2024–2027 program is its emphasis on proactive safety rather than reactive enforcement.

Instead of waiting for incidents to occur, WHSQ encourages businesses to continually assess their workplace, identify emerging risks and strengthen their safety systems before injuries happen.

Organisations with strong safety cultures generally:

  • Conduct regular plant inspections
  • Review risk assessments whenever processes change
  • Keep maintenance programs current
  • Involve workers in hazard identification
  • Encourage reporting of near misses
  • Regularly review Safe Work Method Statements and procedures
  • Verify that controls remain effective

A proactive approach not only improves compliance but also reduces downtime, equipment damage and workers’ compensation costs.

Practical Steps Businesses Can Take Today

Whether your workplace operates one machine or an entire production line, there are practical actions that can strengthen your plant safety management:

  • Review all fixed plant risk assessments.
  • Inspect machine guarding to ensure it remains effective.
  • Confirm isolation and lockout procedures are current and understood.
  • Verify that maintenance schedules are being followed.
  • Check operator training and competency records.
  • Consult workers about hazards they’ve observed.
  • Investigate near misses before they become serious incidents.
  • Ensure emergency stops are clearly accessible and regularly tested.

Small improvements made today can prevent serious incidents tomorrow.

Safety Is More Than Compliance

While WHSQ’s Proactive Compliance Program will undoubtedly increase regulatory attention on plant safety, the real objective extends beyond passing inspections.

Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of the day. Businesses that invest in well-maintained equipment, effective risk controls and strong safety leadership are not only meeting their legal obligations, they are creating safer, more productive workplaces.

As WHSQ continues its proactive compliance activities through 2027, now is an ideal time for organisations to review their fixed plant safety systems, identify gaps and ensure they are prepared for both regulatory inspections and the everyday realities of operating high-risk machinery.

A proactive approach to fixed plant safety isn’t simply about avoiding penalties, it’s about preventing injuries before they happen.

Sherm Software will help to ensure your workplace stays safe by automating tasks to be completed and maintaining records and documentation.

Plant Risk Assessments can be completed electronically and records maintained in the Plant Register, regular Workplace Inspections completed easily via the mobile app, Training and Competency can be completed and recorded, hazards and incidents reported immediately, all with notifications sent to the right person.

Get in touch with us and learn more about how Sherm can make staying compliant so much easier.

Falls from Heights Remain One of Queensland Construction’s Biggest Safety Risks

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

Construction sites across Queensland are constantly evolving environments, with workers regularly required to perform tasks on roofs, scaffolding, ladders, elevated work platforms, and partially completed structures. While working at heights is often unavoidable, falls from height continue to be one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in the construction industry.

Whether it’s a fall from a roof edge, through a skylight, from scaffolding, or from an unsecured ladder, the consequences can be devastating for workers, their families, and businesses. Understanding the risks and implementing effective controls is essential for creating safer construction sites and meeting workplace health and safety obligations.

The Reality of Falls from Heights

A fall from height can occur whenever a person works in a position where there is a risk of falling from one level to another. Even falls from relatively low heights can result in serious injuries such as fractures, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and, in some cases, fatalities.

Common scenarios that lead to falls on Queensland construction sites include:

  • Working near unprotected edges
  • Roof installation and maintenance activities
  • Inadequately secured scaffolding
  • Misuse of ladders
  • Falls through fragile roofing materials or skylights
  • Unsafe use of elevated work platforms
  • Poor housekeeping creating trip hazards near edges
  • Lack of fall protection systems

Many incidents occur because hazards were not properly identified, controls were missing, or workers were not adequately trained and supervised.

Legal Responsibilities for Managing Fall Risks

Under Queensland workplace health and safety laws, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have a duty to eliminate risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable. Where elimination is not possible, risks must be minimised using appropriate control measures.

Construction businesses must assess the risk of falls before work begins and implement controls that provide the highest level of protection possible.

Controlling the Risk of Falls: The Hierarchy of Controls

Managing fall hazards should follow the hierarchy of controls, prioritising the most effective measures first.

  1. Eliminate the Need to Work at Height

The most effective control is to remove the hazard entirely.

Examples include:

  • Prefabricating components at ground level before installation
  • Using extendable tools to perform tasks from the ground
  • Redesigning work processes to avoid elevated access

If the work can be completed safely without leaving the ground, the risk of falling is eliminated.

  1. Use Passive Fall Prevention Systems

Passive controls provide protection without requiring active worker intervention.

Examples include:

  • Edge protection and guardrails
  • Scaffold systems with integrated guardrails
  • Safety mesh beneath roof structures
  • Temporary barriers around openings
  • Covered floor penetrations and service openings

These controls are generally preferred because they provide continuous protection for all workers on site.

  1. Use Work Positioning or Fall Restraint Systems

Where passive protection is not reasonably practicable, fall restraint systems may be used to prevent workers from reaching a fall hazard.

Examples include:

  • Travel restraint systems
  • Anchored restraint lines
  • Work positioning systems

These systems are designed to prevent a worker from reaching an exposed edge rather than arresting a fall after it occurs.

  1. Implement Fall Arrest Systems

Fall arrest systems should only be used when higher-level controls are not reasonably practicable.

Examples include:

  • Safety harnesses and lanyards
  • Inertia reel systems
  • Anchor points and lifelines
  • Catch platforms
  • Safety nets

It is important to remember that fall arrest systems do not prevent a fall, they reduce the consequences if one occurs. Rescue procedures must also be in place to ensure a suspended worker can be recovered quickly.

  1. Use Administrative Controls

Administrative controls support physical safety measures and help ensure work is performed safely.

Examples include:

  • Safe work method statements (SWMS)
  • Site-specific risk assessments
  • Permit-to-work systems
  • Worker training and competency verification
  • Toolbox talks
  • Regular inspections and maintenance
  • Effective supervision
  • Clear exclusion zones

Administrative controls should never be relied upon as the sole method of protection where a risk of falling exists.

Ladder Safety: A Common Area of Concern

Ladders are involved in many fall-related incidents on construction sites. While ladders can be useful for short-duration tasks, they should not be used as a primary work platform where safer alternatives are available.

To improve ladder safety:

  • Select the correct ladder for the task
  • Ensure ladders are in good condition
  • Place ladders on stable ground
  • Maintain three points of contact
  • Secure ladders where possible
  • Avoid overreaching
  • Use scaffolding or elevated work platforms for longer-duration work

Planning Is Critical

Effective planning is one of the most important factors in preventing falls.

Before commencing work at height, construction businesses should consider:

  • The height at which work will occur
  • The duration and complexity of the task
  • Environmental conditions such as wind and rain
  • Access and egress requirements
  • Emergency and rescue procedures
  • The competency of workers performing the task
  • Inspection requirements for equipment and systems

A well-planned job significantly reduces the likelihood of incidents occurring.

Creating a Strong Safety Culture

Physical controls alone cannot prevent every fall. A strong safety culture encourages workers to identify hazards, report concerns, and stop work when conditions become unsafe.

Construction companies that prioritise safety typically experience:

  • Fewer incidents and injuries
  • Reduced project disruptions
  • Improved workforce morale
  • Better regulatory compliance
  • Lower financial and reputational risk

When workers feel empowered to raise concerns and safety is embedded into everyday operations, fall risks are more effectively managed.

Final Thoughts

Falls from heights remain one of the most significant hazards on Queensland construction sites. However, many incidents are preventable through proper planning, risk assessment, worker training, and the implementation of effective control measures.

By prioritising elimination, using appropriate fall prevention systems, maintaining equipment, and fostering a strong safety culture, construction businesses can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury and ensure workers return home safely at the end of every shift.

From July 2026, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspectors will visit construction sites across Queensland as part of a compliance campaign focused of work at heights, where they will assess workplace health and safety and take action if non-compliance is identified.

Sherm Software can help you to ensure your business has the right controls in place to manage the risk of falls when working at heights. Training and competency verification can be completed with notification sent when it is due, permits are maintained within the workers profile, regular workplace inspections can be completed electronically using Sherm’s Mobile App, SWMS are made readily available anywhere at any time, and many other features to help keep your business compliant.

Moving Plant – Reducing Workplace Safety Incidents

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

Forklifts, elevated work platforms, loaders, pallet jacks and other moving plant are essential to Australian industry. From warehouses and logistics hubs to construction sites and manufacturing facilities, these machines keep operations moving efficiently. Unfortunately, they also remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities across Australia.

Among all types of moving plant, forklifts continue to present a particularly high risk. Collisions, pedestrian impacts, tip-overs, falling loads and poor traffic management contribute to incidents that can permanently change lives and significantly disrupt businesses.

Reducing these incidents requires more than compliance paperwork. It demands a practical, site-wide safety culture supported by training, engineering controls, supervision and continuous improvement.

Why Moving Plant Incidents Continue to Occur

Many organisations already have procedures in place, yet incidents still happen because of gaps between policy and day-to-day operations.

Common contributing factors include:

  • Pedestrians and forklifts sharing the same space
  • Poor visibility in warehouses or yards
  • Inadequate traffic management plans
  • Operator fatigue or distraction
  • Lack of refresher training
  • Time pressure and unsafe shortcuts
  • Poor maintenance of plant and equipment
  • Unstable or improperly secured loads
  • Inexperienced or unlicensed operators
  • Complacency in familiar environments

In many cases, incidents are not caused by a single failure, but by multiple small risks aligning at the same time.

Forklifts: One of the Highest-Risk Types of Moving Plant

Forklifts are deceptively dangerous. Although they often operate at relatively low speeds, their weight, turning characteristics and limited visibility can create severe hazards.

A standard forklift can weigh several tonnes, often much heavier than the load it is carrying. Even at slow speeds, collisions can result in crushing injuries or fatalities.

Some of the most common forklift-related incidents include:

Pedestrian Collisions

Workers on foot are at greatest risk when forklifts operate in mixed-use areas without proper separation controls.

Tip-Overs

Forklifts can overturn due to:

  • Excessive speed
  • Turning while elevated
  • Uneven ground
  • Overloading
  • Incorrect load positioning

Falling Loads

Loads may fall when:

  • Pallets are damaged
  • Loads are poorly balanced
  • Operators brake suddenly
  • Forks are incorrectly positioned

Dock and Loading Area Incidents

Busy loading zones create high-risk interactions between trucks, forklifts and pedestrians, particularly during peak operational periods.

Building a Safer Workplace Around Moving Plant

Reducing incidents requires layered controls rather than relying on a single safety measure.

Separate Pedestrians and Plant Wherever Possible

Physical separation remains one of the most effective controls.

Practical measures include:

  • Dedicated pedestrian walkways
  • Safety barriers and guardrails
  • Clearly marked exclusion zones
  • Separate entry and exit points
  • Designated crossing areas
  • One-way traffic systems

Where physical separation is not possible, administrative controls and reduced speed limits become critical.

Develop a Practical Traffic Management Plan

A traffic management plan should reflect actual site conditions rather than exist solely as a compliance document.

An effective plan should identify:

  • Vehicle routes
  • Pedestrian pathways
  • Blind spots
  • High-risk intersections
  • Loading and unloading zones
  • Speed limits
  • Parking areas
  • Emergency access routes

Plans should also be reviewed whenever layouts, workflows or equipment change.

Invest in High-Quality Operator Training

Licensing alone does not guarantee competence.

Operators should receive:

  • Site-specific inductions
  • Familiarisation with each plant type
  • Practical hazard awareness training
  • Refresher training
  • Emergency response instruction

Training should also extend beyond operators. Pedestrians working around moving plant need to understand:

  • Exclusion zones
  • Blind spots
  • Right-of-way procedures
  • Communication signals
  • Safe crossing behaviours

Use Technology to Reduce Human Error

Modern safety technologies can significantly reduce risk when implemented correctly.

Examples include:

  • Proximity detection systems
  • Blue safety lights
  • Reverse cameras
  • Speed limiting devices
  • Telematics and impact monitoring
  • Collision avoidance systems
  • Operator access control systems

While technology is not a substitute for safe systems of work, it can provide an additional layer of protection.

Prioritise Preventive Maintenance

Mechanical failures can quickly become serious safety events.

Maintenance programs should include:

  • Pre-start inspections
  • Scheduled servicing
  • Immediate defect reporting
  • Removal of unsafe equipment from service
  • Tyre and brake inspections
  • Fork integrity checks
  • Hydraulic system inspections

Operators should feel empowered to report faults without fear of operational delays or criticism.

Improve Visibility Across the Site

Poor visibility contributes to many moving plant incidents.

Workplaces can improve visibility through:

  • Better lighting
  • Convex mirrors at intersections
  • Marked crossing zones
  • Reduced storage heights near corners
  • Audible warning systems
  • High-visibility clothing requirements

Warehouse layouts should also minimise blind corners and congested travel paths.

Address Fatigue and Time Pressure

Rushed environments often create unsafe decisions.

Common examples include:

  • Speeding to meet deadlines
  • Carrying unstable loads
  • Skipping inspections
  • Operating while fatigued
  • Ignoring pedestrian controls

Leaders should monitor workloads and production expectations to ensure safety is not compromised by operational pressure.

Leadership Plays a Critical Role

Workplace safety outcomes are heavily influenced by leadership behaviour.

When supervisors and managers:

  • Follow site rules,
  • Address unsafe behaviours immediately,
  • Encourage reporting,
  • Allocate time for training,
  • And prioritise safety over speed,

workers are more likely to adopt safe behaviours themselves.

On the other hand, inconsistent enforcement quickly undermines safety systems.

Encouraging Near-Miss Reporting

Many serious incidents are preceded by smaller warning signs.

Encouraging workers to report:

  • Near misses,
  • Unsafe conditions,
  • Traffic conflicts,
  • Equipment faults,
  • And procedural gaps

can help organisations identify risks before injuries occur.

Importantly, reporting systems should focus on learning and prevention rather than blame.

Compliance Matters, But Culture Matters More

Australian workplace health and safety laws place clear duties on employers to eliminate or minimise risks associated with moving plant so far as is reasonably practicable.

However, genuine safety improvement goes beyond compliance checklists.

The safest workplaces typically share several characteristics:

  • Strong leadership commitment
  • Worker consultation
  • Continuous improvement
  • Practical procedures
  • Ongoing training
  • Clear accountability
  • Open communication

Safety becomes most effective when it is embedded into operational decision-making rather than treated as a separate function.

Final Thoughts

Reducing incidents involving moving plant requires a combination of engineering controls, operational discipline, training and leadership commitment.

No single intervention will eliminate risk entirely. But organisations that proactively separate pedestrians and vehicles, improve visibility, strengthen training, maintain equipment and foster a strong reporting culture can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious incidents.

In high-risk environments, even small improvements can prevent life-changing injuries.

For Australian businesses, investing in moving plant safety is not only a legal obligation, it is a critical part of protecting workers, maintaining productivity and building a resilient workplace culture.

Sherm Software can help your organisation identify risks before injuries occur with the ability for workers to report incidents quickly and effectively with the use of Sherm’s Mobile App with notification sent immediately to management.

Get in touch with us and learn how Sherm can help you stay on top of worker licences and training, pre-start inspections to ensure plant is safe for use, and many other features to help your organisation remain a safe place to work.

Electrical Powerlines – Reducing Risks

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

Electrical powerlines are part of almost every Australian worksite. From construction and civil works to agriculture, logistics, arboriculture and mining, overhead and underground electrical assets create a constant risk that can become catastrophic in seconds. Contact with live powerlines can result in serious injury, fatalities, fires, explosions, plant damage, network outages and significant legal consequences for businesses and workers alike.

One of the most effective ways to reduce these risks is through the strict maintenance of electrical exclusion zones. Understanding what exclusion zones are, how they work, and how to maintain them consistently is essential for every Australian workplace operating near energised electrical infrastructure.

Why Powerline Safety Matters

Electricity does not require direct contact to cause harm. High-voltage electricity can arc across gaps, meaning workers, tools, scaffolding, cranes, elevated work platforms, tip trucks and other plant can become energised simply by getting too close.

Across Australia, incidents involving overhead powerlines remain one of the leading causes of workplace electrocutions and serious electrical injuries. Many of these incidents occur during relatively routine activities such as:

  • Operating cranes or mobile plant
  • Delivering materials with tipper trucks
  • Moving irrigation equipment
  • Installing roofing or scaffolding
  • Tree trimming and vegetation management
  • Excavation and earthworks near underground cables
  • Transporting oversized loads
  • Using ladders or long conductive tools

The consequences extend beyond the immediate incident. Businesses may face investigations, prosecutions, project shutdowns, insurance implications and reputational damage under Australian work health and safety legislation.

Understanding Electrical Exclusion Zones

An exclusion zone is the minimum safe distance that workers, plant, equipment or materials must maintain from energised electrical assets unless specific control measures and authorisations are in place.

These distances are designed to prevent:

  • Direct contact with electrical conductors
  • Electrical arcing
  • Unintentional encroachment during movement
  • Equipment sway or load shift entering danger areas

Exclusion zone requirements vary between Australian states, territories and network operators. Factors influencing required distances include:

  • Voltage level
  • Type of electrical infrastructure
  • Whether the worker is authorised or trained
  • The type and size of plant being used
  • Environmental conditions
  • Whether spotters or physical barriers are in place

Because requirements differ across jurisdictions, organisations should always consult the relevant regulator and electricity network provider before commencing work.

Common Causes of Exclusion Zone Breaches

Despite widespread awareness campaigns, exclusion zone breaches continue to occur due to a combination of operational and human factors.

Inadequate Site Planning

Many incidents begin before work even starts. Failure to identify overhead or underground electrical assets during planning can leave workers exposed once equipment arrives onsite.

Effective planning should include:

  • Reviewing site drawings and utility maps
  • Conducting site inspections
  • Identifying all overhead and underground services
  • Assessing plant movement paths
  • Considering maximum reach and load swing
  • Consulting electricity asset owners

Poor Visibility and Environmental Conditions

Powerlines can be difficult to see against certain backgrounds, particularly at sunrise, sunset or during poor weather conditions. Vegetation, structures and terrain can further obscure visibility.

Wind can also cause:

  • Powerline movement
  • Load sway
  • Reduced control of suspended materials

These variables can quickly reduce safe separation distances.

Complacency Around Familiar Tasks

Many powerline incidents involve experienced workers performing routine activities. Familiarity can create a false sense of confidence, especially on repeat worksites.

Workers may incorrectly assume:

  • The line is insulated
  • The line has been isolated
  • Their equipment will not reach the line
  • Spotters are monitoring continuously
  • Minor encroachments are harmless

Maintaining vigilance is critical regardless of experience level.

Maintaining Effective Exclusion Zones

Maintaining exclusion zones requires more than simply marking distances on a site plan. It demands a layered risk management approach involving engineering controls, administrative systems, training and active supervision.

Conduct a Detailed Risk Assessment

Before any work begins near powerlines, organisations should undertake a comprehensive risk assessment that considers:

  • Voltage and location of electrical assets
  • Nature of the work
  • Plant dimensions and operating range
  • Ground conditions
  • Traffic flow
  • Environmental conditions
  • Emergency response procedures

The assessment should determine whether work can be redesigned to eliminate the risk entirely.

Eliminate or Minimise Exposure Wherever Possible

The safest option is always to avoid working near energised powerlines altogether. This may involve:

  • Relocating work areas
  • Changing delivery routes
  • Using smaller equipment
  • Altering excavation methods
  • Scheduling temporary power isolation with the network operator

Where elimination is not reasonably practicable, minimisation controls become essential.

Use Physical Barriers and Visual Controls

Visual reminders help reinforce exclusion zones onsite. Common controls include:

  • Warning signage
  • Barrier bunting
  • Goalposts
  • Height restriction devices
  • Painted ground markings
  • Dedicated no-go zones

These controls should be clearly visible to operators from all working positions.

Implement Competent Spotters

Spotters play a critical role when plant operates near exclusion zones. However, a spotter is only effective when properly trained, positioned and empowered to stop work immediately if risks escalate.

A competent spotter should:

  • Maintain uninterrupted visual contact
  • Understand exclusion distances
  • Use clear communication methods
  • Avoid undertaking other tasks simultaneously
  • Have authority to direct operators

Importantly, spotters should never be treated as the sole control measure.

Ensure Plant Operators Are Properly Trained

Operators working near electrical assets must understand:

  • Electrical hazards and arcing risks
  • Plant reach limitations
  • Emergency response procedures
  • Exclusion zone requirements
  • Site-specific controls

Training should be reinforced through:

  • Pre-start meetings
  • Toolbox talks
  • Site inductions
  • Refresher training
  • Practical competency assessments

Technology Is Improving Powerline Safety

Modern technologies are helping Australian workplaces reduce exclusion zone breaches more effectively than ever before.

Emerging controls include:

  • Height and slew limiters
  • Proximity warning systems
  • GPS-enabled geofencing
  • Crane anti-collision systems
  • Real-time telemetry and monitoring
  • Drone-assisted inspections

While technology can significantly reduce risk, it should complement, not replace safe systems of work and competent supervision.

Emergency Response Preparedness

Even with strong controls in place, organisations must prepare for potential incidents.

If plant contacts powerlines:

  1. The operator should remain inside the cabin where safe to do so.
  2. Other workers must stay away from the equipment.
  3. Emergency services and the electricity provider should be contacted immediately.
  4. The area should be isolated until declared safe.

If evacuation becomes necessary due to fire or immediate danger, workers should jump clear without touching the plant and ground simultaneously, then shuffle or hop away while keeping feet together to minimise step potential risk.

Emergency procedures should be rehearsed regularly so workers can respond quickly under pressure.

Legal Responsibilities Under Australian WHS Laws

Under Australian work health and safety legislation, employers and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have a duty to eliminate or minimise electrical risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

This includes ensuring:

  • Safe systems of work
  • Proper risk assessments
  • Worker training and supervision
  • Appropriate plant selection
  • Compliance with exclusion zone requirements
  • Consultation with relevant electricity authorities

Workers also have responsibilities to:

  • Follow safety procedures
  • Use equipment correctly
  • Report hazards
  • Avoid unsafe behaviours

Regulators across Australia continue to enforce electrical safety obligations aggressively, particularly following serious incidents or fatalities.

Building a Strong Powerline Safety Culture

Sustainable powerline safety depends on workplace culture as much as procedures. Organisations with strong safety performance typically:

  • Encourage hazard reporting
  • Stop unsafe work immediately
  • Reinforce exclusion zone discipline
  • Conduct regular audits and inspections
  • Learn from near misses
  • Invest in ongoing training

When workers understand both the seriousness of electrical hazards and the practical controls available to manage them, exclusion zones become part of everyday operational thinking rather than an afterthought.

Final Thoughts

Reducing the risk of workers or plant coming within an unsafe distance of electrical powerlines requires proactive planning, strong supervision, effective training and unwavering attention to exclusion zones.

Electrical incidents are often sudden, severe and unforgiving. However, most are preventable when organisations commit to robust risk management practices and ensure exclusion zones are clearly understood and consistently maintained.

For Australian businesses operating near electrical infrastructure, exclusion zones are not simply regulatory requirements, they are critical life-saving controls that protect workers, communities and operations every day.

Sherm Software will help your organisation reduce risks by ensuring training is up to date, inspections are conducted regularly, hazards are reported easily and you stay compliant. Get in touch with us and see how easy all this can be with Sherm.

The Importance of Conducting a Gap Analysis

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

In an increasingly regulated and risk-aware business environment, organisations are expected to demonstrate robust management of work health and safety (WHS), quality, and environmental responsibilities. These expectations are driven by legislation, industry standards, customer requirements, and broader societal demands for safe, ethical, and sustainable operations. One of the most effective ways for companies to ensure their management systems meet these obligations is through conducting a comprehensive gap analysis.

A gap analysis is a structured assessment that compares an organisation’s current practices against relevant legal requirements, standards, and best-practice frameworks. When applied across WHS, quality, and environmental management systems, it becomes a critical tool for identifying weaknesses, managing risk, and driving continual improvement.

Understanding Management System Gaps

Management systems such as WHS, quality, and environmental frameworks are often aligned with recognised standards, including ISO 45001 (Work Health and Safety), ISO 9001 (Quality), and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management). However, simply having policies or certifications in place does not guarantee compliance or effectiveness.

A gap analysis examines the difference between what is currently being done and what should be done to meet:

  • Legislative requirements (such as WHS Acts and Regulations)
  • International and Australian Standards
  • Industry codes of practice
  • Client, contractor, and supply-chain expectations

By identifying these gaps, organisations gain a clear and evidence-based understanding of where systems fall short, are inconsistent, or are not fully implemented.

Strengthening Legal and Regulatory Compliance

One of the most compelling reasons to conduct a gap analysis is to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Under WHS legislation, organisations have a primary duty of care to provide a safe working environment. Failure to comply can result in serious incidents, prosecutions, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

Similarly, environmental legislation imposes strict obligations regarding pollution control, waste management, and resource use, while quality requirements are often embedded in contractual and consumer protection frameworks.

A gap analysis helps organisations:

  • Identify areas of non-compliance before regulators do
  • Address outdated procedures that no longer align with current legislation
  • Demonstrate due diligence and proactive risk management

This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of enforcement action and supports defensible decision-making if incidents occur.

Improving Risk Management and Performance

Effective risk management is central to WHS, quality, and environmental systems. Without a clear understanding of system gaps, risks may remain unrecognised or inadequately controlled.

A gap analysis enables organisations to:

  • Identify missing or ineffective risk controls
  • Highlight inconsistencies between documented procedures and actual practice
  • Detect areas where staff competency, training, or awareness is insufficient

By addressing these gaps, organisations can reduce workplace injuries, product or service failures, and environmental incidents. This leads to improved operational performance, reduced downtime, and lower costs associated with rework, claims, and remediation.

Supporting Certification and Integrated Management Systems

Many organisations seek or maintain certification to ISO standards as a way of demonstrating credibility and consistency. A gap analysis is often the first step in achieving certification or transitioning between standards (for example, upgrading from older versions of ISO standards).

For organisations operating integrated management systems—where WHS, quality, and environmental requirements are managed together—a gap analysis helps:

  • Identify duplication or conflicting processes
  • Streamline documentation and governance
  • Align objectives and performance measures across systems

This integration improves efficiency and ensures that compliance efforts support broader business goals rather than operating in silos.

Enhancing Governance and Leadership Oversight

Strong governance requires visibility over risks and controls. Boards and senior leaders are increasingly accountable for WHS and environmental outcomes, particularly in high-risk industries.

A structured gap analysis provides leadership with:

  • Clear, objective insights into system maturity
  • Prioritised actions based on risk and impact
  • Evidence to support strategic investment in safety, quality, and sustainability initiatives

This level of insight allows leaders to make informed decisions and demonstrates a genuine commitment to responsible corporate management.

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Beyond compliance, gap analysis plays a key role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. It encourages organisations to move beyond “minimum compliance” and focus on effectiveness, efficiency, and resilience.

When conducted regularly, a gap analysis:

  • Encourages open discussion about system weaknesses
  • Engages workers and managers in improvement initiatives
  • Tracks progress over time and measures the effectiveness of corrective actions

This continuous improvement mindset supports long-term sustainability and adaptability in a changing regulatory and business landscape.

Conclusion

Conducting a gap analysis of work health and safety, quality, and environmental management systems is not merely a compliance exercise—it is a strategic business imperative. It enables organisations to identify risks, meet legal obligations, improve performance, and strengthen governance.

By investing time and resources into a thorough gap analysis, companies position themselves to protect their people, deliver consistent quality, minimise environmental impact, and build trust with regulators, clients, and the broader community. Ultimately, a well-executed gap analysis supports safer, more efficient, and more sustainable business operations.

Get in touch with us and make conducting your gap analysis easier. Or better still, subscribe to Sherm Software and you will be able to see and rectify gaps as they arise.

Work Health and Safety Requirements in Australia for 2026

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

As Australia enters 2026, employers and safety officers must stay vigilant in implementing and adapting to updated Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations. WHS laws across Australia are governed by the model WHS Act and supported by WHS Regulations and Codes of Practice, which are adopted by each state and territory. The national policy is shaped by Safe Work Australia, while individual regulators enforce the rules on the ground.

Ongoing Duty to Provide a Safe Workplace

At the foundation of WHS laws is the primary duty of care for Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs). This duty requires PCBUs to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others affected by their work. This includes:

  • Identifying hazards and assessing risks in all work activities.
  • Implementing control measures, using the hierarchy of controls.
  • Maintaining and reviewing controls to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
  • Consulting with workers about WHS issues and risk management.

Failure to meet these duties can result in significant penalties and enforcement action by WHS regulators.

Regulatory Updates Taking Effect in 2026

Psychosocial Hazards and Mental Health

Mental health and psychosocial hazards — such as bullying, excessive job demands, fatigue, poor organisational change management, and harassment — are now explicitly part of WHS risk management in many jurisdictions. New codes of practice and updated guidance seek to help duty holders identify and control these risks, with practical steps to prevent both psychological and physical harm.

Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment Code of Practice

From March 2025, a national Code of Practice on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment came into effect. Employers must take proactive steps to prevent harassment (in person or online) and to establish appropriate controls, handling, and reporting processes.

Indexation of Penalties

Under recent changes, penalties under the WHS Act are indexed annually to reflect economic conditions. This means fines for breaches increase regularly, making compliance even more critical for PCBUs and officers.

Industry and Hazard-Specific Requirements

Workplace Exposure Standards

Australia is transitioning from Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) for airborne contaminants. While WEL won’t apply until 1 December 2026, employers must still comply with current WES limits and prepare for the transition to the new limits, which may be stricter and align more closely with international benchmarks.

State and Territory Regulation Changes

Several jurisdictions have updated or remade their WHS Regulations to clarify duties and operations:

  • New WHS Regulations commenced in NSW in August 2025 with updated procedural requirements and risk management duties, including strengthened psychosocial risk provisions.
  • The ACT has revised multiple WHS Codes of Practice effective from late 2025 to reflect national model updates, covering noise, confined spaces, construction work, and risk controls.

Practical Steps for WHS Compliance in 2026

To meet WHS requirements in the new year, PCBUs and safety officers should focus on the following:

Conduct comprehensive risk assessments

Evaluate physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial hazards. Document risks and apply the hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimise them.

Review and update WHS documentation

Ensure policies, procedures, and codes of practice references are current and aligned with 2026 Regulations. Update safety management systems accordingly.

Train and consult with workers

Engage workers on WHS issues, ensure they understand hazards and controls, and involve them in risk management and continuous improvement efforts.

Prepare for WEL transition

Review your chemical exposure assessments and adjust controls in anticipation of WEL adoption from December 2026.

Plan for emergency and first aid readiness

Establish emergency plans, maintain first-aid resources, and conduct regular drills consistent with business.gov.au guidance.

Enforcement and Culture

Regulators in each state and territory will continue to enforce WHS laws through inspections, notices, and potential prosecutions for non-compliance. Promoting a proactive safety culture, where workers feel empowered to raise concerns without fear of reprisal, is one of the most effective ways to meet legal obligations and reduce workplace harm.

Conclusion

The WHS framework in Australia for 2026 builds on existing laws that require PCBUs to protect workers and others from harm. Key areas of focus this year include managing psychosocial hazards, complying with updated codes of practice, preparing for changes to exposure limits, and maintaining dynamic risk management practices. Employers and safety officers should prioritise these updates to ensure legal compliance and foster safer, healthier workplaces.

Sherm Software is here to help with all of these requirements, from managing the health and safety of your workers, subcontractors and visitors to site, to ensuring you are complying with updated codes of practice by having them available at your fingertips anytime in your Legal Register.

Get in touch with us today and see how amazing Sherm is.

End-of-Year WHS: What Every Workplace Should Prioritise

Posted on by Marnie Cruickshank

As the end of the year approaches, many workplaces experience increased pressure, changing schedules, and shifting priorities. While it can be a rewarding time, it also brings a unique set of Work Health and Safety (WHS) risks. The combination of fatigue, staff shortages, festive events, and operational deadlines means safety systems can easily become strained.

To ensure a safe and compliant close to the year—and a strong start to the next—businesses should take a proactive, structured approach to WHS. Here are the key concerns and obligations employers should address during the final months of the year.

Managing Fatigue and Workload Pressures

Why it matters

End-of-year deadlines, increased customer demand, and leave-related staffing gaps often result in longer hours or compressed workloads. Fatigue reduces concentration, slows reaction time, and significantly increases the risk of incidents.

Employer obligations

  • Monitor hours worked and ensure employees take adequate rest breaks
  • Review rosters to avoid excessive overtime or back-to-back shifts
  • Encourage reporting of fatigue-related concerns without stigma
  • Ensure management leads by example in maintaining sustainable workloads

Recommended actions

  • Implement fatigue checks for high-risk roles
  • Communicate clear expectations around workload management
  • Consider temporary staffing to avoid overburdening teams

Seasonal Stress and Mental Health Risks

Why it matters

End-of-year stressors—both professional and personal—can heighten psychological risks. High workloads, performance reviews, financial pressures, and holiday-related stress can impact wellbeing.

Employer obligations

  • Identify and manage psychosocial hazards as part of WHS duties
  • Provide access to mental health support services (e.g., EAP)
  • Foster a culture where psychological safety is prioritised

Recommended actions

  • Check in with staff about workplace pressures
  • Promote wellbeing initiatives and remind staff of support resources
  • Train supervisors to identify signs of stress or burnout

Safety Risks During End-of-Year Shutdowns or Ramp-Ups

Many businesses either slow down significantly or push into high-activity periods depending on the industry. Both come with WHS considerations.

If your workplace shuts down

  • Conduct shutdown inspections: electrical, plant, security, and hazardous substances
  • Develop procedures for safe isolation of equipment
  • Communicate clear shutdown responsibilities and timelines

If operations intensify

  • Reconfirm competency of all staff operating plant or equipment
  • Ensure temporary or seasonal workers receive full WHS inductions
  • Increase supervision in high-risk or high-traffic areas

Safe Celebrations and End-of-Year Events

Why it matters

Work functions—whether onsite or offsite—can introduce WHS risks related to alcohol, travel, behaviour, and environment.

Employer obligations

  • Provide a safe environment and manage foreseeable risks
  • Set clear standards of behaviour aligned with workplace policies
  • Have transport options or safe-travel guidance for attendees

Recommended actions

  • Communicate conduct expectations before events
  • Limit alcohol service and provide food and non-alcoholic options
  • Ensure managers understand their responsibilities during events

Reviewing Incidents, Hazards and Risk Controls

The end of the year is a strategic time to reflect on safety performance and prepare for the year ahead.

Employer obligations

  • Document and investigate all incidents and near misses
  • Review risk assessments for relevance and accuracy
  • Consult workers on what’s working and what needs improvement

Recommended actions

  • Analyse WHS data for trends
  • Update safety procedures and training plans
  • Schedule early-year WHS training refreshers

Ensuring Compliance With Legal and Reporting Requirements

End-of-year periods can distract from mandatory compliance obligations. Businesses should ensure no WHS requirements are overlooked.

Key obligations may include (depending on jurisdiction):

  • Maintaining up-to-date safety documentation and registers
  • Meeting reporting requirements for notifiable incidents
  • Ensuring licenses, permits, and certifications are current
  • Keeping training records complete and accurate

Recommended actions

  • Conduct an internal WHS audit or compliance check
  • Assign responsibility to a dedicated WHS coordinator or manager
  • Set up automated reminders for time-sensitive obligations

Preparing for the New Year

A strong start to the upcoming year depends on planning before the current year ends.

Recommended actions

  • Schedule safety meetings and training for the start of the new year
  • Update WHS objectives and targets
  • Plan maintenance or upgrades during shutdown periods
  • Communicate early about key safety initiatives for the coming year

Conclusion

End-of-year WHS management is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting people during a period known for higher risk. By focusing on fatigue, mental health, safe celebrations, operational changes, and compliance obligations, employers can safeguard their teams and set the stage for a productive and safe new year.

New Hearing Test Requirements for NSW Employers and Workers

Posted on by Caroline Kingston

New South Wales has introduced strengthened workplace hearing test requirements designed to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, one of the most common yet preventable workplace injuries in Australia. These obligations, set out under Clause 58 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW), came into force on 1 January 2024 and apply to any workplace where hazardous noise is present. While the Regulation commenced in early 2024, employers have been given until 1 January 2026 to complete the first round of testing for workers who were already employed before the changes began.

Who the Requirements Apply To

The new rules apply to workers who are frequently required to wear hearing protection because noise levels in their work environment exceed the legal exposure standard. This standard is defined as an eight-hour average noise level of 85 dB(A) or a peak noise level of 140 dB(C). When noise exceeds these limits and engineering or administrative controls cannot fully reduce exposure, personal hearing protection becomes necessary — and audiometric testing becomes mandatory.

Baseline and Ongoing Testing

Under the Regulation, any new worker entering a role involving hazardous noise must undergo a baseline audiometric test within three months of starting the job. This initial test establishes a reference point for future comparisons and allows early signs of hearing damage to be identified.

After the baseline test, all affected workers must be tested at least once every two years. In workplaces where noise levels are particularly high — such as environments consistently approaching or exceeding 100 dB(A) — more frequent testing may be required to ensure any hearing changes are detected quickly.

For workers who were already employed before 1 January 2024, the first test under the new requirements must be completed by 1 January 2026, giving employers a two-year transition period to bring their workforce into compliance.

How Testing Must Be Conducted

Audiometric testing under Clause 58 refers specifically to pure-tone air conduction threshold testing, which measures a worker’s hearing sensitivity in each ear across a range of frequencies. The assessment must be carried out by a competent person, such as a qualified audiologist or trained occupational health provider, in accordance with recognised standards like AS/NZS 1269.4:2014.

Before the test, the tester should examine the worker’s ear canals for obstructions such as ear wax, which could affect the accuracy of the results. After the test, the worker must receive an explanation of their results, including whether any changes in hearing thresholds have been identified.

What Happens if Hearing Loss Is Detected

A central purpose of the new requirements is to ensure that employers not only test workers’ hearing but also act on the findings. If a test shows a significant permanent threshold shift or signs of hearing damage such as tinnitus, the employer is required to review the workplace’s noise controls. This may involve improving engineering solutions, altering work practices, upgrading hearing protection, or retraining workers to ensure equipment is fitted and worn correctly.

If the worker’s hearing loss affects their ability to perform their duties safely, the employer should consider reasonable adjustments, such as providing quieter work areas, alternative tasks, or additional communication support, depending on the nature of the job.

Record Keeping and Worker Rights

Employers must maintain confidential records of all audiometric test results. These records help track changes in hearing over time and serve as an important part of the employer’s WHS documentation. Workers must be provided with a copy of each of their results and should receive their records if they leave the organisation.

The strengthened requirements also give workers clearer rights: the right to be tested, the right to understand their hearing health, and the right to expect meaningful action if hearing loss is identified.

Why These Requirements Matter

Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible, but it can be prevented through monitoring and early intervention. By embedding audiometric testing into the WHS Regulation, NSW has recognised that hearing protection alone is not sufficient. Regular testing ensures that PPE is genuinely effective and that broader noise-control measures are functioning as intended.

For employers, the responsibilities are now explicit: they must identify which roles involve hazardous noise, schedule and pay for audiometric testing, keep accurate records, and take corrective action where needed. For workers, the new requirements offer greater protection and visibility around their hearing health, ensuring potential issues are detected before lasting damage occurs.

Moving Forward

As the 1 January 2026 deadline approaches for existing workers, it is essential that businesses review which roles fall under the Regulation and put in place a clear testing plan. Many workplaces are already turning to mobile audiometric providers and scheduled rotation systems to ensure assessments are carried out efficiently with minimal disruption.

Ultimately, these reforms aim to create safer, healthier workplaces where hearing loss is no longer an accepted consequence of high-noise environments but a preventable outcome supported by robust monitoring and regulatory oversight.

Sherm Safety Management Software helps to ensure your workers audiometric tests are current using Health Information records which are maintained in the People module. A Review Date attached to the audiometric test information in Sherm, allows for notifications to be sent to Management ensuring retesting every two years is scheduled.

Sherm maintains all records of audiometric test results, allowing the employer to track changes in hearing over time easily. Workers also have access to their audiometric test results and other Health Information when required.

Get in touch with us today and learn more about Sherm Software’s features.

National Safe Work Month 2025

Posted on by Caroline Kingston

Every October, businesses across Australia take part in National Safe Work Month, an initiative led by Safe Work Australia to promote workplace health, safety, and wellbeing. It’s an important opportunity for employers to reflect on their current safety practices, engage employees in meaningful discussions about risk prevention, and strengthen their overall safety culture.

Below are key considerations for employers to focus on during this month—and beyond.

Review and Refresh Work Health and Safety (WHS) Policies

National Safe Work Month is an ideal time to review WHS policies and procedures. Check that all documentation aligns with current legislation, codes of practice, and the specific risks associated with your industry.

  • Are your safety policies up to date with recent regulatory changes?
  • Do they clearly outline responsibilities, reporting mechanisms, and emergency procedures?
  • Are they communicated effectively to all employees?

A brief annual audit can ensure your systems remain compliant and practical.

Reassess Risk Management and Control Measures

Conduct a risk assessment review to ensure all control measures remain effective. Workplaces evolve—new technologies, materials, and processes can introduce new hazards.

Employers should:

  • Revisit existing risk registers.
  • Update safety data sheets (SDS) and signage.
  • Check that personal protective equipment (PPE) is suitable and well maintained.
  • Consult with workers about any emerging risks they’ve noticed.

This proactive approach helps prevent incidents rather than reacting to them.

Reinforce Training and Competency

A strong safety culture depends on knowledge and consistency. National Safe Work Month is a good time to:

  • Review your induction and refresher training programs.
  • Ensure high-risk work licences and first aid certifications are current.
  • Provide targeted toolbox talks or workshops focusing on this year’s safety theme (for example, “Working Together for Safe, Healthy, and Productive Workplaces”).

Well-trained employees are more confident, productive, and less likely to be injured.

Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing

Workplace safety extends beyond physical hazards. Employers should consider how their practices support psychosocial wellbeing, including workload management, bullying prevention, and work-life balance.
Encourage open conversations about mental health, offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and provide training for leaders to recognise signs of stress and burnout.

Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice: Managing Psychosocial Hazards offers useful guidance for all industries.

Encourage Worker Participation and Consultation

Safety works best when everyone is involved. During National Safe Work Month, employers can strengthen engagement by:

  • Holding safety forums, toolbox talks, or team challenges.
  • Recognising workers who contribute to safer practices.
  • Reviewing consultation mechanisms with Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and committees.

When employees feel heard and empowered, safety becomes a shared value rather than a compliance task.

Celebrate Success and Set Future Goals

Finally, use October to acknowledge achievements and set safety goals for the next 12 months.

Highlight improvements—such as reduced incident rates, successful audits, or new wellbeing initiatives—and discuss areas for ongoing development.

Recognition reinforces commitment and motivates continuous improvement.

Final Thoughts

National Safe Work Month is more than a campaign—it’s a reminder that every worker deserves to return home safe and healthy every day. Employers play a central role in making that happen by leading with commitment, consistency, and care.

By reviewing policies, engaging staff, and fostering open communication, businesses can build safer, stronger, and more resilient workplaces all year round.

Let us help you make reviewing your WHS Management System easier by subscribing to our safety management software, Sherm.

With Sherm, Auditing has never been easier to ensure your systems remain compliant.

Conduct Risk Assessments, ensure Training is completed and your workers are Competent, encourage worker participation and promote mental health and wellbeing all within our easy to use software system.

Sherm Software has it all, get in touch today and see for yourself.

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