Workplace Health & Safety 2023 Event Wrap Up

October 23, 2023

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Workplace Health & Safety 2023 Event Wrap Up

(Image source: IEC) Aerial view of the Workplace Health & Safety Show.

The Workplace Health and Safety Show is a free annual two-day event providing occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals with the latest information, products, equipment and innovations to make compliance easier.

The show was first held in 2018 and focuses on psychological safety, safety technology, major hazards, personal protection, height safety, health and wellbeing and cleaning and hygiene.

With constantly changing safety and wellbeing legislation, it can be difficult for employers to stay up-to-date.

The show is the perfect opportunity for OHS professionals to gather under one roof to find all the resources they need to help keep their workers safe.

The Workplace Health and Safety Show comprises conference presentations delivered by industry leaders, interactive forums, panel discussions and a trade show where companies showcase their safety, hygiene and wellness products and services.

WHY IS THE WHS SHOW IMPORTANT TO MINING?

While the mining industry has made great strides in improving the health and safety of workers over the past few years, it’s still one of the sectors with the highest rates of injuries and fatalities.

According to Safe Work Australia, in FY21 the mining industry recorded four fatalities and 2798 workers compensation claims.

The average value of compensation payouts is over $35,000 while the average time lost due to injuries and fatalities is over 10 weeks.

In order to attract and retain investment and top talent, and ensure productivity and profitability, the mining industry must demonstrate a commitment to worker safety and wellbeing.

Implementing new technology solutions is a key consideration to keep operations safe, as innovations such as artificial intelligence, mobile and cloud-based solutions, sensors and wearable technology have demonstrated a commitment to worker safety and wellbeing.

Wearable technology addresses some of the greatest safety risks to workers, such as body stress injuries, which are responsible for 40% of all claims in the mining sector.

Wearable technologies use small sensors to track and detect worker’s movements and signs of strain and stress, just to name a few.

This makes it possible to continuously monitor workers and quickly respond to potential risks.

When coupled with artificial intelligence, wearable technologies can monitor and analyse sensor data, enabling improved supervision of worker safety, rapid intervention in the event of potential risks and the delivery of personalised safety training to workers as needed.

2023 EVENTS

This year, the Workplace Health and Safety Show took place in Brisbane for the first time ever — from May 31 to June 1 — and then in Sydney — from September 20 to September 21.

(Image source: IEC) JESI general manager of sales Adam O'Neill speaking at the show. — (Image source: IEC) JESI general manager of sales Adam O’Neill speaking at the show.

Visitors to the 2023 shows learned about regulatory changes as well as updates to their obligations and requirements.

They also learned about the latest technologies, tools and resources available to help meet their obligations and create safer and healthier workplaces.

This year saw the launch of the Cleaning & Hygiene Zone — an area of the show dedicated to hygiene and cleaning products, tools, equipment and services.

SafeWork NSW Inspectors also chaired a panel to provide real-time information and answer questions relating to regulations and employer obligations.

2024 EVENTS

(Image source: IEC) One of the many stalls showcasing its products.

Top industry leaders and pioneering innovators will return to Melbourne and Sydney next year for the annual event with 2024 expected to be even bigger with more exhibitors, high-profile presenters and more visitors.

Attendees will be face to face with cutting-edge and targeted work and safety solutions and stay updated on the latest products, resources and policies.