Enhancing workplace safety through training and culture

Workplace safety is non-negotiable. It protects people, productivity and reputation. Yet despite ongoing progress, Australia continues to record high injury and fatality rates, particularly across blue-collar industries where physical and environmental risks are part of everyday work.

According to Safe Work Australia, around 3.5% of workers experience a workplace injury each year, with six industries (agriculture, transport, construction, manufacturing, health and social assistance, and public administration) accounting for more than three-quarters of all fatalities. The total cost to the economy is staggering, with work-related injuries and illnesses estimated to cost $28.6 billion annually.

For businesses operating in these sectors, compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about creating environments where people feel supported, informed and safe to do their best work.

The case for safety

Poor safety outcomes have a human and commercial cost. Beyond the tragic personal impact of injuries or fatalities, businesses face downtime, insurance claims, compensation costs and the loss of skilled workers. A single safety lapse can damage morale and erode trust, both internally and with clients.

Christine Taurino, National Workforce’s HSEQ and Workplace Relations Manager, says many businesses have good systems on paper but struggle to make them meaningful day-to-day. “Some workplaces have the right practices in place, but they don’t always make sure their workers are compliant with them,” she explains. “Compliance is a big thing. It’s not just about having the documentation; it’s about living it.”

Understanding WHS compliance

Under Australia’s Model WHS Act, employers have clear legal duties: identify and manage risks, consult with workers and provide training, supervision and resources to keep people safe. In practice, that means more than policies and risk assessments. It’s about culture, communication and leadership.

Christine has seen the difference a proactive approach can make. “It’s about having management that supports compliance and everyone on the ground understanding there are no grey areas,” she says. “You start from the top and work your way down, making sure everyone is on board.”

Managing workplace safety risk in blue-collar work

The three biggest physical risks in the workplace are body stressing, falls and being hit by moving objects. Mental stress is a rising challenge, now the fourth most common cause of a serious safety claim.

Christine says mental health is now part of everyday WHS conversations. Mental stress claims now make up around 11% of all serious workers’ compensation claims, and the median time lost is more than five times higher than for other injuries.

“Our employee assistance program is a big thing,” Christine adds. “Even if someone says they’re okay, we send them the number anyway. They might not want to talk today, but they might need it tomorrow.”

Other emerging risks are also adding new complexity to safety management. “Fatigue is something we monitor closely,” Christine explains. “If someone reports they’re tired, we’ll call them, find out what’s happening and work with the client to reduce overtime or give them a few extra days’ rest. It’s about managing people, not just tasks.”

Building a strong safety compliance culture

A genuine safety culture goes beyond compliance. It’s built on accountability, communication and consistency. Christine has seen first-hand how workplaces can transform when leaders set clear expectations and follow through.

“One of our clients used to have a tick-and-flick approach,” she recalls. “Now they’ve got people on site who hold others accountable. Everyone wants to do the right thing because they know management expects it and supports it.”

That culture of accountability often starts with simple, consistent action. “Consistency is important so there’s no grey area,” Christine says. “Once it’s managed, everyone knows their roles. It might feel like micromanaging at first, but eventually it becomes a habit.”

Training plays a vital role in creating those habits. From site inductions to manual handling refreshers, practical education helps workers understand not only what to do, but why it matters.

“You’ve got to make safety messages meaningful,” Christine explains. “It’s not just ‘put these gloves on’, but explaining why, that it’s about making sure you can still go home, play with your kids, live your life.”

Collaboration and communication across sites

For multi-employer worksites, consistency depends on collaboration. As Christine describes, communication between clients, contractors and labour hire partners is critical to maintaining standards.

“We collaborate nationally,” she says. “Our safety team shares what’s working across all states so we can learn from each other and take those ideas to clients.”

That collaborative approach ensures safety isn’t confined to a single site or policy. Instead, it becomes a network of shared knowledge and accountability.

Harnessing technology for safer workplaces

Digital tools are reshaping how safety is managed day-to-day. QR-based reporting systems, data analytics and wearables are helping organisations track incidents and respond faster. But Christine notes that technology should complement, not replace, human connection.

“Some people use QR codes to report injuries, which can be good if they don’t feel comfortable speaking up,” she says. “But we still need that human element, someone checking in, responding quickly and keeping communication open.”

Making workplace safety personal

The best workplaces don’t just follow WHS requirements. They embed safety into everything they do.

“It’s about collaboration,” Christine says. “Be honest, open and include your team in the process. When they have a say, they buy in, and that’s how you create a genuine safety culture.”

The results speak for themselves. She points to a recent client success story where National Workforce partnered with a large retailer to deliver manual handling training for all staff, not just temps. The program improved engagement and accountability across every level of the business.

Workplace safety as a shared responsibility

Safety is more than a legal obligation. It’s a shared responsibility that drives performance, retention and reputation. Businesses that invest in training and culture build safer, stronger and more resilient teams.

National Workforce helps organisations stay compliant and confident by supplying trained, safety-conscious workers who understand that every action on site matters.

To find out how National Workforce can support your business with safe, skilled and compliant workforce solutions, get in touch with the team today.