The Christmas Rush

admin • December 15, 2025

The Christmas rush is a notorious time for safety.


Statistics from WorkSafe Victoria and Safe Work Australia show that the lead-up to Christmas is a time of increased risk in the workplace, with more incidents occurring during this time and resulting in injuries and deaths. There are hundreds of incidents reported during the holiday period each year and no doubt, there are many more which go unreported.


Incident Trends During the Festive Season:

WorkSafe Victoria reports that during the December–January period, workplaces in industries such as retail, hospitality, and construction experience an increase in reported incidents of around 15–20% compared to monthly averages, often due to fatigue, manual handling, and public interaction in higher-traffic environments 

These incidents relate to an increase in:

  • Manual handling injuries
  • Slip, trip, and falls
  • Heat stress and dehydration
  • Alcohol and workplace events
  • Psychological stress


We know that there is greater risk associated with the festive season and therefore we must implement controls to reduce the risk to workers at this time.

For example, your workplace may need to think about:

  • Reassessing staffing levels and workload management
  • Increasing hazard inspections
  • Reviewing emergency preparedness
  • Providing added mental health support 
  • Reducing workload and addressing fatigue related risks
  • Reviewing policies related to work events and social activities
  • Mitigating summer weather related risks
  • Re-iterate safety protocols and consult with employees in relation to safety risks at this time


Very often, it is the rush before Christmas which increases the risk to workers’ safety. It is important to reassess targets for work at this time - rushing to get projects completed before the Christmas shut-down is a huge added risk to health and safety. Targets can seem important, but nothing is more important than getting home to your family for Christmas.

https://youtu.be/mOlbfrqLpfM

International Workers Memorial Day

By admin • May 5, 2026
On 28 April 2026 , BeSafe joined those gathered at Argyle Square, Carlton , to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day (IWMD) in Melbourne. The ceremony honoured those who have lost their lives due to workplace injury or illness and renewed a shared commitment to safer, healthier workplaces. The service began with speeches made by The Secretary of Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) Luke Hilikari, Premier Jacinta Allen, WorkSafe CEO Cathy Henderson and Lived Experience Advocate Lana Cormie. Assistant Secretary of VTHC Wil Stracke was the MC for the occasion and the Trade Union Choir sang throughout. The most moving part of the service was, as always, the boot laying ceremony. This year, 60 pairs of boots were laid to represent the workers lost in the past 12 months. Finally, a rose was laid to represent those who are not counted - in recognition that the numbers are vastly underestimated and many workplace deaths are not recorded in the official statistics. The vision of 60 pairs of boots sitting upon stools in the park is profoundly tragic and deeply moving. A minutes silence marked the moment. This was followed by attendees laying wreaths to honour the fallen workers. The speeches included messages of regret and sorrow, but also a call to action – as we can only truly honour the dead if we take action to ensure the safety of the workers of the future.  “ Honour the dead, and fight like hell for the living .” At BeSafe, we are passionate about workers’ safety and we will continue to do anything we can to improve the safety of all Victorian workplaces. For more on this: Strong union message at workers’ memorial — Independent Education Union Victoria Tasmania STRONG MESSAGE TO COMMEMORATE FALLEN WORKERS ON IWMD - OHS Reps

BeSafe Victoria Launches Psychological Health Training

By admin • April 21, 2026
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