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

The Victorian HSR Conference

By admin • April 7, 2026
Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) play a critical role in keeping Victorian workplaces safe, healthy and compliant. They are the frontline advocates for workers when it comes to identifying hazards, resolving safety issues and driving real change on the ground. One of the most important opportunities available to HSRs each year is the Victorian HSR Conference , hosted by the Victorian Trades Hall Council and subject to approval by WorkSafe Victoria. Not only is this conference an invaluable learning and networking opportunity, HSRs have a legal entitlement to attend. For regional HSRs, including those in Ballarat and surrounding areas, the addition of Ballarat as a new satellite conference location makes this entitlement even more accessible. HSRs Have a Legal Right to Attend the Victorian HSR Conference Under Victorian occupational health and safety law, HSRs are entitled to attend approved training and education to support them in their role. The annual Victorian HSR Conference is subject to approval by WorkSafe under section 69 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, which means: HSRs are entitled to attend on paid time Time spent attending is considered time at work Employers cannot disadvantage an HSR for attending HSRs must provide at least 14 days’ notice to their employer of their intention to attend (unless otherwise agreed) This legal framework exists because the Victorian safety system recognises that trained, informed HSRs save lives, prevent injuries and improve workplace culture. WorkSafe emphasises that conferences and training approved under the Act are a vital part of enabling HSRs to effectively exercise their powers and functions. Why Conferences Matter for HSRs While formal HSR training provides foundations, the annual conference goes further. It brings together thousands of HSRs from across Victoria to focus on emerging risks, legal developments and practical strategies that can be taken straight back into workplaces. The conference typically covers: Emerging hazards Updates on OHS law and enforcement Real case studies from active HSRs Skills sessions on consultation, issue resolution and enforcement powers Opportunities to hear directly from safety experts, organisers and other HSRs This year a Satellite Conference will be held in Ballarat For HSRs based in Ballarat and regional Victoria, the Ballarat satellite conference offers all the benefits of the main event, without the barriers that often prevent regional workers from attending. Easier Access, Less Travel - Travelling to Melbourne can be time‑consuming and costly for regional HSRs. Satellite conferences allow HSRs to attend closer to home, reducing travel fatigue and minimising time away from work and family. Strong Regional Networking - The Ballarat satellite conference provides an opportunity to connect with other regional HSRs, share practical solutions relevant to local industries and build ongoing support networks that last well beyond the conference. Many HSRs report that these peer connections become one of the most valuable outcomes of attending. Confidence to Use Your Powers- Conference sessions are designed to increase confidence in exercising powers lawfully, clarify employer obligations and reinforce that HSRs are legally protected when acting in good faith. Bringing Safety Knowledge Back to Regional Workplaces - What HSRs learn at the conference doesn’t stay in the room. It flows back into Toolbox talk, Health and safety committee meetings, Risk assessments and issue resolution processes. By attending the Ballarat satellite conference, regional HSRs strengthen safety leadership across the entire local workforce. The Victorian HSR Conference is more than an event – it is a legally supported investment in safer workplaces. For Ballarat and regional HSRs, the satellite conference ensures that geography is no barrier to knowledge, connection or confidence. If you are an HSR: You are entitled to attend You should notify your employer early You should seriously consider attending your local satellite conference  Strong HSRs mean safer workplaces. The Ballarat satellite conference is an opportunity to build that strength together. If you want to put your name down to get more information on the conference please contact us at HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria

Injuries in Education

By admin • March 30, 2026
Victorian teachers have taken to the streets in one of the largest rallies seen in recent times. The teachers are asking for change and this applies to fair pay and conditions, but also safety. Teachers and those in our education system can be subjected to unsafe work environments and psychosocial hazards are common, with occupational violence and aggression being a key concern. According to WorkSafe statistics, the most common injuries experienced by those working in education are: Psychological injury 24% Knee injuries 11% Back injuries 10% Shoulder injuries 8% Ankle injuries 7% Hand injuries 6% WorkSafe’s data shows that the top hazards which most commonly cause harm in the education workplace are: Classroom and office ergonomics Handling people Lifting and carrying Psychosocial Slips trips and falls Working with machinery As with all workplaces, there is a legal requirement for the employer to comply with the OHS Act and this includes the requirement to provide a safe work environment. This duty applies to staff and also to members of the public. This includes students and visitors. Education institutions must comply with legal obligations to consult on OHS matters as well as provide training. For more information on injury and hazard statistics visit Injury hotspots - Education | WorkSafe Victoria For safety training with BeSafe, get in touch HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria