National Safe Work Month: Week 1 – Why Identifying Hazards Is the First Step to Safety
October marks National Safe Work Month, and this week’s focus is the foundation of every strong WHS system—identifying hazards. Before you can assess risks or implement controls, you need to understand what could go wrong. From machinery and tools to psychosocial factors like fatigue or stress, hazard identification helps you protect your people and build a safer, more resilient workplace.
October is National Safe Work Month, and this year we’re joining Safe Work Australia in shining a spotlight on practical steps every workplace can take to keep people safe.
The theme for Week 1 is “Identify hazards” because before you can manage risks, you have to know what they are. It sounds simple, but many businesses miss hazards that are right in front of them. New equipment, changing work practices, or even the way teams interact can all introduce risks that need attention.
At Anzen Safety & Training, we believe hazard identification isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about building awareness, creating accountability, and ensuring no one is left exposed.
What Counts as a Hazard?
A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm — whether physical or psychological. (Safe Work Australia)
That includes:
Machinery, tools, substances (physical hazards)
Stress, bullying, fatigue (psychosocial hazards)
Environmental or layout changes
Gaps in systems or processes
Identifying hazards early allows you to act before they turn into incidents.
Practical Steps to Identify Hazards This Month
Here’s how Safe Work Australia recommends you take action:
Inspect your workplace: Walk through worksites or digital workflows and observe tasks in real time.
Review data: Check your incident reports and compare them with industry trends.
Consult with workers: Talk to your team — they’re closest to the risks.
Update your risk register: Add new hazards and refine existing entries.
Get involved in WHS events: Engage with your regulator’s Safe Work Month initiatives for fresh insights.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Ignoring psychosocial hazards like stress or fatigue
Treating hazard identification as a “set-and-forget” process
Recording hazards but not taking action to control them
Why This Matters
Hazard identification isn’t just compliance. It’s a leadership responsibility, a cultural marker, and a business advantage. Safe workplaces reduce costs, build trust, and keep people at their best.
Take Action This Week
Choose one area of your business, walk it with fresh eyes, and ask:
What could hurt us here?
What could go wrong?
Then, record at least one hazard and share it with your team. Small, visible steps build lasting safety culture.
Proactive hazard identification is a critical part of workplace health and safety compliance in Australia. Regular inspections, open consultation with workers, and data reviews all help uncover hidden risks before they cause harm. By embedding hazard identification into daily routines, businesses can improve WHS outcomes, reduce incidents, and demonstrate strong due diligence under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Stay Tuned for Week 2
Identifying hazards is the first step toward a safer, more compliant workplace. Don’t leave your safety systems to chance. Book your free, no obligation 30-minute Safety Health Check today and let Anzen Safety & Training help your business identify risks, build stronger WHS processes, and keep your people safe.
