Education: The Key to Workplace Safety

admin • June 24, 2025

At BeSafe Victoria, we live, eat and breathe safety education. Why? Because we believe it is the key to workplace safety.


We see and hear the on-the-ground OHS stories from our participants on a daily basis, both during training and while providing follow-up support. It is remarkable to see the transformation that occurs during a training course, as participants grow their safety knowledge and become empowered to influence their own safety and that of their workplace.


In regional Victoria, it is not uncommon for OHS Literacy to be very low. This is not in all workplaces, but certainly our experience shows that many workers have received very little or no training in OHS. By gaining an understanding of OHS, we can empower individuals to keep themselves safe. This includes in understanding their rights, recognising hazards, mitigating risks and knowing when to say no to unsafe work.


Training an individual also means that they can bring this new knowledge to their workplace, leading to positive improvements in safety outcomes for their colleagues. Safety training has broader implications too – it can inspire conversations with family and friends, creating a ‘ripple effect’ of improved safety awareness in the community.


We often see participants who deeply care about safety and have put their hand up to become a Health and Safety Representative (HSR) in their workplace. These participants come in with the drive and walk out with the tools and the passion they need to make a really tangible difference in their workplace. We know of many stories of trained HSR’s who go on to transform the safety of their workplaces.


Whether we are duty holders, supervisors, HSR’s, or employees – we all have a role to play in the safety of our workplace – and with the right knowledge, we can make a positive contribution.



What truly underpins a safe work environment? The answer lies in education.

Snakes in the workplace

By admin • December 15, 2025
Snakes are a natural part of the Australian environment, but when they enter worksites, they can pose significant risks. Snakes are most commonly encountered in industries such as construction and agriculture, but snakes can appear in any workplace – including in offices, warehouses, outdoor work areas, or storage spaces. Warm weather increases snake activity, making encounters more likely during summer months. The danger presented by snakes is very real, as snakebites can cause serious injury or death. Common Risk Factors There are certain workplace conditions which increase the likelihood of snakes appearing: Vacant sites : Snakes often move into quiet areas during holiday breaks or weekends. Shelter opportunities : Stored materials, rubble, sheds, and equipment provide dark, cool hiding spots. Food sources : Mice, frogs, and other small animals attract snakes to worksites. Hot weather : Snakes become bolder and more active in summer. Prevention Strategies As always, employers are required to reduce risks to health and safety in the workplace. They can do this by adopting proactive measures: Site housekeeping : Remove rubbish, debris, and unused materials where snakes could hide. Control food sources : Limit rodent and frog populations by managing waste and water. Protective gear : Wear gloves, boots and long pants when working outside or handling stored materials. Awareness training : Inform workers about snake risks, especially after site closures or during hot weather. First Aid training: ensure staff are trained in the initial response in the case of a bite. If a snake is seen in the workplace One of the most important safety messages is never provoke a snake. Most bites occur when people attempt to attack or handle snakes. If a snake is sighted: Stop work in the area immediately. Report the sighting to supervisors. Contact local authorities or licensed snake catchers to remove the hazard. First Aid for Snake Bites Your workplace should have a trained First Aider. The initial first aid for a bite should include: Lie the person down and keep them still. Applying a broad, firm bandage around the bitten limb, about as tightly as for a sprained ankle. Bandage over the bite site first and then bandage as much of the limb as possible, starting from below upwards. Keep the victim still and calm and splint the limb if possible. Do not cut, wash, or apply a tourniquet to the bite. Access immediate medical care - dial 000. Don’t forget that you will need to complete an incident report after a snake bite has occurred. Then, your risk management follow up processes should be followed. A snake bite may be classified as a notifiable incident, in which case it must be reported to WorkSafe Victoria – call 13 23 60 . Conclusion Snakes are a real workplace hazard , especially in construction, agriculture, and outdoor industries. If your workplace is high risk for snakes then you are required to control the risk of snake bite. Prevention and awareness are the best defence: keep sites clean, reduce food sources, and train workers. Never provoke a snake —leave removal to professionals. First aid knowledge can save lives in the event of a bite. By treating snakes as a legitimate occupational hazard, workplaces can protect their workers from a potentially fatal hazard. For more information, see the following resources: Snakes at work: why you should never handle one yourself | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au Snakes on sites - OHS Reps Notifiable incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 | WorkSafe Victoria https://stjohn.org.au/app/uploads/2025/08/Fact-sheets_snake-bite.pdf

Controlling the risk of Sun Exposure

By admin • December 15, 2025
Sun exposure is one of the most underestimated workplace hazards, especially for outdoor workers. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause serious health risks, but with the right protections, employers and employees can reduce these dangers. Why Sun Exposure is a Workplace Hazard UV radiation risk : Outdoor workers are exposed to UV radiation for long periods, which can lead to skin damage, sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancers. Eye health : UV rays can also damage the eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts and other vision problems. Heat stress : Extended time in the sun raises the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which can impair concentration and increase accident risks. Cumulative exposure : Unlike a one-time hazard, UV damage builds up over years, making outdoor workers particularly vulnerable. Employer Responsibilities The legislation prescribes that employers must provide a safe workplace that is without risks to health and safety. As such, employers must take steps to eliminate or reduce UV exposure risks so far as is reasonably practicable . This includes: Risk assessment : Identifying tasks and times of day when UV exposure is highest. Protective measures : Providing shade structures, scheduling work outside peak UV hours (10 am–3 pm), and rotating tasks to limit exposure. Education : Training workers on the dangers of UV radiation and how to protect themselves. Policy implementation : Establishing sun protection policies as part of workplace health and safety systems. Monitoring conditions : Being aware of UV index levels and reporting unsafe conditions. Consulting with employees : in relation to the hazard of sun exposure. Worker Responsibilities Under the OHS Act, employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own, and others, health and safety and to co-operate with measures taken by their employer to ensure health and safety. Employees can play a role in protecting themselves by, for example: Wearing protective clothing : Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. Applying sunscreen : Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen should be applied regularly throughout the day. Hydration : Drinking water frequently to prevent heat stress. Monitoring and reporting: Being aware of UV index levels and reporting unsafe conditions. Building a Sun-Safe Workplace Culture Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes sun safety is essential. This means: Normalising sunscreen use and reapplication breaks. Encouraging workers to look out for each other’s wellbeing. Making protective gear accessible and mandatory. Recognising that sun protection is not just a personal choice but a workplace safety requirement. Key Takeaways Sun exposure is a serious occupational hazard for outdoor workers. Employers must provide protections such as shade, scheduling, and training. Workers must take proactive steps like wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen. A strong workplace culture around sun safety reduces risks and promotes long-term health. Sunlight is vital for life, but in the workplace, it must be managed like any other hazard. Hazard identification and risk control is a legal requirement under the OHS Act. By treating UV exposure with the same seriousness as machinery or chemicals, employers and workers can ensure safer, healthier outdoor environments. For more guidance in relation to this: Sun protection for outdoor workers | WorkSafe Victoria