October is National Safe Work Month - a time to raise awareness and focus on health and safety across all workplaces.

The 2015 Safety Month will feature a Virtual Seminar Series (VSS), which kicked off on Friday with a keynote address from Ann Sherry AO, Chair of Safe Work Australia.

At the official launch of Safety Month, Safe Work Australia’s Chief Executive Officer and 2015 Safety Month Ambassador Michelle Baxter said she encourages workers to reflect on their reasons for being safe and healthy at work.

“National Safe Work Month provides an opportunity for us all to focus on health and safety in our workplaces and to drive lasting improvements,” Safe Work Australia’s Chief Executive Officer and 2015 Safety Month Ambassador Michelle Baxter said.

“For me, the major cost of workplace injury is the personal impact on the worker and their family and friends. I want workers to be safe and healthy at work so they can return home to their loved ones each day.”

“This year’s theme is Be safe. Be healthy. Because…. We have deliberately left the theme open so you can add your personal reasons for being safe and healthy at work. Think about what is important to you,” Ms Baxter said.

“Participating in National Safe Work Month is easy. Get involved by downloading the free smart phone application, allowing you to access resources, safety statistics and events at your convenience.”

“You can also participate in the Virtual Seminar Series – a series of free, online seminars held throughout October. The seminars showcase the latest thinking, innovation and research in work health and safety and are a great way to start a conversation about what is important to you,” Ms Baxter said.

Safe Work Australia is encouraging anyone to explore the Safety Month web page, where an electronic information kit can be accessed, as well as entries for the Workplace Participation Reward and downloads of the free smart phone application.

The 2015 Virtual Seminar Series is available too.