Safe Work Month turns to recovery and the future of work
19 Oct 2026•BlueSafe Team•Source: Safe Work Australia
Week three of National Safe Work Month focuses on the lasting effects of work-related harm, support for recovery and return to work, and risks emerging as work changes.
The theme, For the future: The long-term impact, asks workplaces to look beyond the immediate consequences of an incident and consider how injury or illness may affect workers over time. Preventing harm remains the priority, alongside being ready to support workers when harm occurs.
The National Return to Work Strategy aims to reduce the impact of work-related injury and illness and help workers make a timely, safe and lasting return to work. With appropriate support, returning to good work can aid recovery and improve health outcomes.
Activities for the week invite workplaces to discuss realistic injury and illness scenarios and how they would respond. These discussions can reveal where support arrangements are strong, where gaps exist and what could be improved before support is needed.
Safe Work Australia's activity kit also asks workplaces to tackle stigma around workers' compensation. Stigma can deter workers from reporting injuries, seeking support or taking part in recovery processes, while a supportive workplace culture can help them feel confident asking for assistance.
The week's focus also considers how technological, social and climate changes are reshaping work. These shifts can bring new hazards and emerging risks, or alter how existing risks need to be managed.
How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your approach to workplace health and safety and identify areas for closer attention. Take the free WHS self-check