Occupational health and safety (OHS) is rarely addressed in election campaigns, and the Victorian election in November is likely no exception. However, there are OHS issues that need to be discussed and addressed, and there may also be a political advantage.
The issue of working in heat has resurfaced in some Australian media this February, again driven by trade unions. The union approach continues to show negotiating flaws, deflections, and at least one inaccuracy.
Safe Work Australia has many submissions to its Best Practice Review after a very slow start. Consultation has been extended to the end of November 2025. A curious request appeared by email invitation on November 14, 2025, developed in conjunction with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
The email says:
“Responses will help shape future improvements to consultation, representation and participation in Australia’s WHS laws. If you’re an HSR [Health and Safety Representative], there’s a short additional section specific to that role.”
I find some of the questions and its focus odd.
In August 2025, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) released some disturbing occupational health and safety (OHS) statistics involving electrical apprentices. The story was picked up by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in October, Australia’s Safe Work Month. The focus was on improving safety training for apprentices; however, this focus is primarily on lower-order hazard controls and overlooked employer OHS obligations. I contacted the ETU and EnergySafe Victoria. The ETU didn’t get back to me but below is EnergySafe’s informative response.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has talked about occupational health and safety (OHS)….. a bit. On November 4, 2025, the PM addressed the IndustriALL Global Union 4th Congress. According to the congress’ website it:
‘…will bring together trade union representatives from around the world to discuss the future of work and reinforce their collective commitment to fundamental rights and social justice.”
So, it would be odd if OHS were not mentioned or discussed. (The Congress does maintain an OHS page)
Recently WorkSafe Victoria revealed that in 2025:
“In the first half of this year, 174 Workcover claims have been lodged from the construction industry, from falls alone. A further 34 businesses have been charged and another 28 duty holders faced legal action, accumulating more than 2.54 million in fines, undertakings and costs. That already tops the entire 2024 figure of $1.65 million from 33 charged or prosecuted entities.”
I had the opportunity to ask WorkSafe’s Chief Health and Safety Officer, Sam Jenkin (pictured above), why such a well-known workplace hazard persists.
In support of Australia’s Safe Work Month, I have recorded a 12-minute opinion piece on how Australian politics since 2010 has affected the perception and development of occupational health and safety, based on past SafetyAtWorkBlog articles.
It is an interesting opportunity to reflect on the decisions and actions of influential individuals like Julia Gillard, Kristina Keneally, Jeff Lawrence, and David Gregory.
