WorkSafe will host a series of free tradies breakfasts across the state for Health and Safety Month this October.

Employers and workers are encouraged to attend the events at Wallington, Hallam, Kyneton and Horsham to grab a free feed and coffee, share stories and get the latest information on safety in the construction industry.

Experts will be on hand to cover key safety topics such as fall prevention, including timber guardrails and scaffold industry standards, safe work method statements (SWMS) and crystalline silica exposure, while WorkSafe inspectors will provide insights on local trends. Attendees will also have an opportunity to have any health and safety questions answered before each event wraps up with a networking session.

Construction is among the five priority industries being targeted by WorkSafe over the next 12 months as part of a strategic approach to reducing workplace harm. Over the last five years, there have been 67 confirmed workplace fatalities in construction, more than in any other industry. Long-term contact with chemicals or substances (19) and falls from height (17) were the top causes of death.

In 2024-25 alone, WorkSafe accepted 3,294 injury claims from workers in the industry, with muscular stress due to manual handling the largest contributor.

WorkSafe chief health and safety officer Sam Jenkin said the free events will give tradies a chance to hear valuable expert advice while sharing their own stories and lessons learned.

“Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in Victoria with a significant number of incidents each year, which is why we have developed a tailored approach to focus on the key hazards to reduce harm,” he says.

“These breakfasts are a great way for tradies to boost their knowledge in key areas while sharing their own experiences to help create an ongoing culture of health and safety on site.”

The breakfasts will be held at Wallington Fagg’s Mitre 10 on Monday 6 October, Hallam Bowens on Wednesday 8 October, Kyneton Home Timber & Hardware on Friday 15 October and Horsham Saints Football & Netball Club on Thursday 23 October.