With Safe Work Month officially ending in Australia, a commitment to health and safety shouldn’t stop. This year, the focus was on four key themes, which are fundamental to organisations across the globe – WHS fundamentals, psychosocial hazards, risk management fundamentals, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Safety goes beyond compliance; it’s a core element of your organization’s success. With nearly 3 million people dying from work-related injuries and diseases globally each year, addressing these essential areas is not just a moral imperative but a necessity. By prioritizing workplace safety, you’re not only protecting your employees but also nurturing a culture of wellbeing that boasts productivity and elevates morale.

Effective WHS and EHS strategies require a systematic approach that integrates safety into daily operations. With the right tools at your disposal, you can simplify processes, monitor compliance effortlessly, and inspire your team to take an active role in maintaining a safe environment. For instance, the staggering statistic that around 395 million workers worldwide are injured in non-fatal work accidents each year underscores the need for proactive measures. This is where robust EHS software solutions truly make a difference.

With the cost of neglecting workplace safety estimated at a staggering $2.8 trillion—or roughly 4% of the global GDP—investing in EHS strategies is not just wise; it’s essential. When safety is clear and accessible, it becomes second nature, fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to go home safely at the end of each day.

To assist you in this effort and ease your workload, we’ve compiled a checklist of activities and initiatives tailored to each week of Safety Month’s themes. This checklist will serve as your roadmap, guiding you through practical steps to enhance workplace safety. By following these guidelines, you’re proactively safeguarding your employees, minimizing risks, and positioning your organization for long-term success.

Your Checklist:

Week 1: WHS Fundamentals

1. Review & Update WHS Policies
   • Conduct an annual review to ensure policies align with the latest regulations.
   • Store all policies within EHS software for easy, centralized access.
   • Set automated alerts for future review dates to keep policies current.
2. Assign Mandatory WHS Training
   • Schedule WHS training sessions for all staff, emphasizing fundamental safety principles.
   • Use the EHS platform to track training attendance and completion rates.
   • Set reminders for re-certifications and ensure compliance is maintained.
   • Analyze training results within EHS software to identify areas needing further support.
3. Set Up Incident Reporting Processes
   • Develop a simple, accessible reporting structure for all incidents and near misses.
   • Activate real-time notifications in EHS software to alert management when incidents occur.
   • Set automated follow-ups within the EHS system to track incident resolution.
4. Schedule Regular Safety Audits
   • Conduct monthly or quarterly audits to proactively address potential risks.
   • Document audit findings within the EHS system for organized record-keeping.
   • Assign corrective actions through EHS software and monitor progress.
   • Use audit insights to adjust policies or training as required.

Key takeout: Don’t neglect the basics. The most successful EHS programs build from these fundamentals.

Week 2: Psychosocial Hazards

1. Launch Stress & Wellbeing Programs
   • Implement resources addressing common workplace stressors.
   • Monitor program participation and satisfaction via EHS software feedback forms.
   • Track long-term wellbeing metrics within EHS software to monitor improvements.
2. Establish Confidential Feedback Channels
   • Create a reporting system for concerns related to psychosocial risks.
   • Use EHS software to collect and analyze data for actionable insights.
   • Respond to identified issues with action plans managed within the EHS system.
   • Regularly share general findings with staff to build a transparent, supportive environment.
3. Encourage Regular Wellbeing Check-ins
   • Set up check-ins between managers and team members focused on wellbeing.
   • Document discussions within EHS software, noting any raised concerns.
   • Use insights from check-ins to inform improvements in policies or workload.
4. Review Workloads & Role Clarity
   • Conduct workload assessments, ensuring manageable distribution across teams.
   • Enable employees to provide feedback on their workload through EHS software. Track and analyze workload feedback trends to address high-stress roles.
   • Use insights to improve role descriptions, expectations, and training programs.

Key Takeout: A safe workplace goes beyond physical hazards; it protects the mind, too.

Week 3: Risk Management Fundamentals

1. Conduct Risk Assessments by Department
   • Perform targeted assessments across departments, addressing unique risks.
   • Document findings and mitigation strategies in the EHS platform.
   • Set automated reminders for re-assessments based on risk severity.
   • Track the effectiveness of mitigation measures over time within EHS software.
2. Create a Dynamic Risk Register
   • Develop a comprehensive register for all identified risks and mitigation steps.
   • Use EHS software for real-time updates and accessibility across teams.
   • Set automated notifications for review or update of high-priority risks.
   • Integrate risk data with reporting tools to share actionable insights with leadership.
3. Promote Employee Risk Reporting
   • Empower employees to report potential risks using an easy-access platform.
   • Incentivize reporting and safe behavior within the EHS software environment.
   • Track employee suggestions and implement valuable contributions.
   • Regularly review feedback and provide updates on action taken in response.

Key Takeout: Risk management is more than compliance; it’s about building resilience that drives long-term success.

Week 4: Musculoskeletal Injuries

1. Organize Ergonomic Assessments
   • Schedule ergonomic evaluations, prioritizing high-risk roles and tasks.
   • Use EHS software to log findings and recommended changes.
   • Set up re-assessment schedules to ensure ongoing compliance.
   • Track improvements in comfort and injury rates over time.
2. Promote Regular Stretch & Movement Breaks
   • Introduce scheduled stretch breaks to prevent strain, setting reminders in EHS software.
3. Run Training on Safe Movement Techniques
   • Offer workshops on lifting techniques, posture, and ergonomics.
   • Track attendance and completion rates within the EHS platform.
   • Provide on-demand resources and reminders through EHS software.
   • Monitor incident rates to measure the impact of training.
4. Analyze MSI Data for Prevention Trends
   • Review data on musculoskeletal injuries to spot trends and prevent reoccurrences.
   • Use EHS software to organize data and visualize patterns over time.
   • Share findings with management to inform ergonomic changes or adjustments.
   • Track reduction in incidents to validate the effectiveness of interventions.

Key takeout: Preventing MSIs not only protects employees but also promotes productivity and retention.

Keep Safety at the Forefront

This checklist is more than just a list of tasks; it’s a commitment to fostering a safe, healthy workplace culture year-round. By implementing these initiatives and leveraging the capabilities of HSI Donesafe’s EHS software, you can ensure that safety remains a priority beyond National Safe Work Month. Your team deserves a workplace where they feel secure, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Are you striving to create a strong safety culture? Our software can help! Chat to us today.

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Looking to optimize your EHS software adoption and management? Check out the resources below: 

• Explore how incident management can act as a springboard to successful EHS programs.  
• Learn essential and effective strategies for maintaining Workplace Compliance.