A rise in workplace deaths is prompting the authorities to initiate industry-specific compliance campaigns, with the manufacturing sector among those at the top of its list.
According to SafeWork SA, 22 workplace fatalities have already been reported this financial year, with about 18% of these in the manufacturing sector alone.
SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell said: “Fatigue, short cuts and poorly maintained plant and equipment are all possible killers, but the associated risks can all be eliminated or appropriately managed through a strong commitment to safety. Businesses have a work health and safety obligation to put the safety of their people first.”
The agency has announced that it will be ramping up site visits and compliance audits to tackle non-compliance.
“Since the introduction of the industrial manslaughter laws in 2024, employers could face steep penalties or prison time if they’re found to have neglected the safety or wellbeing of workers,” said Stephen Blackie, Portfolio Manager of Workplace Health and Safety Show.
“It’s essential for manufacturers to remain vigilant and proactive about changing safety regulations, emerging risks and innovative solutions. The Workplace Health and Safety Show offers factory leaders and safety professionals everything they need to protect their workforce and meet these challenges head-on.”
Following a successful Melbourne show that saw a record-breaking 5543 visitors through the doors, the Show will return to The Dome, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from 22-23 October 2025. Registration is free if completed in advance via the Show website. Registration at the door costs $75.
What’s new
Show visitors can look forward to exclusive demos and launches of products designed to solve safety challenges, protect workers and extend their careers.
Festool (a German manufacturer of high-performance power tools and systems) launched the new EXOActive wearable exoskeleton at the Melbourne event, while TruGard debuted a world-first innovation in forklift barrier tech.
“Seeing a new safety innovation early gives professionals the chance to assess its value, influence its development, and position themselves – and their organisations – as proactive leaders in safety,” says Mr Blackie.
The Show exhibition, meanwhile, presents over 180 leading suppliers of the latest in safety equipment, technology, PPE and AI-driven workplace safety. Sydney Show exhibitors include SAYKA, PIP ANZ, Transport For NSW, CU Health, Aero Healthcare, Allstore systems, A-Safe Australasia Pty Ltd, Pudu Robotics and Verge Safety Barriers – among many others.
Your one-stop event for expert safety advice and future-focused insights
Workplace Health and Safety Show also offers over 40 hours of free educational content, with tailored CPD seminars, workshops and expert-led panel discussions, exploring practical strategies and best practices to improve safety.
The High-Risk Safety Summit – one of the targeted seminar programs on offer at the Show – includes presentations on key topics of relevance to high-hazard industries, ranging from fall prevention and mental wellbeing to workplace safety culture and evolving safety standards.
The seminar agenda also includes:
- The Workplace Wellbeing Summit, dedicated to mental health and worker wellness. Presenters include neuroscientists, psychologists and corporate wellbeing experts who’ve worked at some of the country’s biggest organisations to improve worker wellbeing.
- The Safety Leadership and Culture Summit, where some of Australia’s most senior OHS leaders share practical strategies for fostering an effective safety culture that drives more productive, healthy workspaces.
- The Knowledge Hub, where specialists share key insights on emerging trends, new safety challenges and decision- making strategies that make a measurable difference.
In addition to the expo and the invaluable education program, the Sydney Show will offer a number of meet-ups, discussion panels and networking sessions.
“This is where real-world solutions, insights and connections are shared. These conversations could be the key to solving your next safety challenge,” says Mr Blackie.
“Workplace Health & Safety Show gives you the insights, strategies and connections to strengthen compliance and protect your workforce,” he said. “It’s where you’ll meet safety leaders, discover game-changing solutions, and learn from others facing the same challenges. There’s no better place to exchange ideas and stay ahead – don’t miss it!”
For more information, visit whsshow.com.au.
About the Workplace Health & Safety Show
Workplace Health & Safety Show is Australia’s largest free-to-attend exhibition and conference dedicated to health and safety. Packed full of exhibits, live demos, seminars, workshops, networking – and attended by thousands of health and safety professionals – this all-encompassing event provides the knowledge, tools, resources and connections you need to strengthen your safety culture and improve performance and engagement.
The event attracts thousands of professionals responsible for occupational health and safety and workforce wellbeing at Australia’s largest companies and work sites, including safety, health and environmental buyers and end-users to safety resellers and retailers, senior executives and HSE professionals, people and culture professionals, contractors as well as safety managers and supervisors.
When and where:
Sydney, 22-23 October 2025 | The Dome, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park
Brisbane: 25-26 March 2026 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Melbourne: 20-21 May 2026 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Website: whsshow.com.au
Registration is free if completed in advance via the Show website or registration at the door costs $75.
