The Safety Spotlight on Small Business

admin • July 1, 2025

The rise of podcasts has made learning and information so accessible and learning about OHS is no different.

We came across the WorkSafe Act podcast ‘The Safety Spotlight’ episode on ‘Small Business’.


In this podcast, Jacqui Argius, the WorkSafe ACT Commissioner talks about safety in small business. She is joined by Michelle Boundy in a podcast led by Lish Fejer. They discuss a number of matters relating to safety in the small business environment, which are summarised below.


Small businesses are required to be compliant with safety legislation, no matter how small they are.


It is often the case that small businesses have less OHS expertise. Sometimes they may think that a serious incident ‘won’t happen here’. They may not have a good understanding of what their legal obligations are. Sometimes there may be a ‘fear factor’ about their lack of understanding of how to meet their legal obligations. They may think that they are too small to need proper systems.


But – just because they are small, this doesn’t mean that they don’t need to meet the same requirements as the larger businesses when it comes to safety, and this includes both physical and psychosocial safety.


Small businesses must also have WorkCover insurance.


Like in all businesses, consultation is key. ‘Talking to your workers’ is so important to ensuring a safe workplace. This includes ensuring that young workers and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can understand. Guidance material regarding how to communicate safety information is available.


The importance of training is also covered. Small businesses must have an induction process and ongoing training for their workers. Employees must also be trained in how to report hazards.


The application of risk management systems and the hierarchy of controls is the same in small business as in any workplace, as is the concept of ‘reasonably practicable’. The commissioner highlights that the cost of implementing a control will not be considered to be important if a matter goes to court. The employer must eliminate or implement controls to all risks to health and safety.


The podcasters acknowledge that there are a myriad of pressures on small businesses – but highlight that this does not reduce their obligations in relation to safety. Nor does it exempt the business from enforcement by the regulator: ‘we will be regulating them the same as anyone else’.


Overall, the podcast highlights the need for small business owners to be pro-active and build a safety-first culture.

To listen to the WorkSafe ACT Small Business Podcast, check out: Ep. 2 - Small Business


There are many resources available to small business to ensure that they are providing and safe and healthy workplace. In Victoria these include:

  • Getting some help from WorkSafe through the OHS Essentials program, which is free to small business and a great place to start.
  • Accessing health and safety checklists as a way to begin a self-assessment.
  • Reading about your obligations and legal requirements.

Take a look at the WorkSafe website to access these resources here: Small business | WorkSafe Victoria

Changes to Legislation

By admin • August 4, 2025
The Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025 has passed Parliament. It makes changes to three pieces of legislation: 1. The Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013, 2. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and 3. The Accident Compensation Act 1985 The changes aim 'to improve support for injured workers and their families in Victoria, enhancing compensation entitlements and rehabilitation processes.’ In summary, the key provisions of the Bill are: 1. Code of Claimants' Rights to be created to ensure injured workers are treated with dignity and respect 2. Lived Experience Membership on WorkSafe Committees . It is now required that there be lived experience membership on the WorkSafe Board Advisory Committees, creating a ‘seat at the table’ for those personally affected by poor safety practices. 3. Return to Work (RTW) Coordinators: Employers will be required to provide RTW coordinators with necessary assistance and training to improve return-to-work outcomes for injured employees. T he details of this are yet to be made clear, pending directives form The Minister and WorkSafe. There will be penalty units attached to this requirement. 4. Compensation for Families of deceased workers: The bill improves compensation by: a) Allowing for provisional payments be made to dependants following a work-related suicide. b) Extending the length of the provisional payment period from 13 weeks to 26 weeks for dependent partners of deceased workers. This will mean that dependants will be less likely to be left without an income while the claim is being processed. c) Increasing the weekly payments to the dependent children of deceased workers. This is an increase from 5% of ‘pre-injury average weekly earnings’ to 12.5%, allowing for improved financial support of children. d) Grief and Loss payments to be made to close family members following the death of their loved one. This will acknowledge the loss of family members who previously had no eligibility for compensation. 5. Broader Support Services: The amendments will allow access to a wider range of therapy and support services for families affected by work-related deaths and serious injuries. This change allows for ‘support services’ to be broader than just psychology. 6. I ndependent Review Requirement: The bill mandates an independent review of the workers' compensation scheme at least every five years, starting in 2030, to ensure ongoing improvements and accountability. The Bill passed the Victorian Parliament on the 31 st July 2025. The primary aim of the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025 is to strengthen the support system for injured workers and their families. It also requires for injured workers to be treated with dignity and respect during their recovery and rehabilitation processes. Any improvement to the support of those affected by work related injury and death can only be a good thing. For more detail on the changes, take a look at: Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2025 | legislation.vic.gov.au

Safety Starts with BeSafe Victoria

By admin • July 28, 2025
When it comes to workplace safety, the stakes are high. When it comes to safety training, BeSafe Victoria has emerged as a leader, setting the gold standard for occupational health and safety (OHS) education in Regional Victoria. Here’s why they stand out as the best safety trainers: 1. Passion for Safety At BeSafe Victoria, safety isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Their team lives and breathes safety education, driven by a genuine passion for creating safer workplaces. BeSafe Victoria’s team is driven by a genuine commitment to creating safer workplaces. Their approach makes their training impactful and memorable. 2. WorkSafe-Approved As a WorkSafe-approved provider , BeSafe Victoria ensures their courses meet the highest standards. Their Health and Safety Representative (HSR) training courses include 5 Day HSR Initial OHS Training and 1 Day HSR Refresher OHS Training Courses. This stamp of approval ensures participants receive credible and up-to-date training, with the added benefit of BeSafe’s passionate delivery and follow-up support. 3. Regional Reach with Local Expertise Although headquartered in Ballarat, BeSafe Victoria’s impact extends far beyond. Their experienced trainers are available to deliver courses across all regional areas of Victoria, ensuring that even remote workplaces have access to top-tier safety education. BeSafe have booked courses in Morwell, Shepparton, Wodonga, Ararat, Portland, Traralgon, Bendigo and more. This regional focus makes them an invaluable resource throughout the state – booking courses anywhere there is a demand – just get in touch. BeSafe is passional about bringing OHS training to where it is needed most – in Regional Victoria. 4. Ongoing Suppor t Beyond Training Their commitment doesn’t end with training - BeSafe is committed to providing ongoing support. BeSafe offers free follow-up support and assistance to help their network of participants after they finish training and are working to resolve safety issues in their workplace. 5. Leaders training for Every Workplace BeSafe knows that being a great leader means understanding your OHS obligations. They also understand that many managers and supervisors don’t feel confident that they have enough OHS knowledge. That’s why BeSafe have developed a Leaders Introduction to OHS Course – to help managers and supervisors develop their OHS Leadership skills and understanding. Safety Starts with BeSafe Victoria In a world where workplace safety can mean the difference between life and death, choosing the right training provider is crucial. BeSafe Victoria’s passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence make them the clear choice for Regional Victorians. Ready to take the first step toward a safer workplace? BeSafe Victoria is here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch at: HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria