Safety Is Everyone’s Business

As National Safe Work Month 2025 comes to a close, it’s a moment to pause and reflect on the importance of workplace safety in Australia. This month has been a timely reminder that safety is not just the responsibility of frontline cleaning staff – it is essential for every employee, contractor, and client across our industry. At BIC Consolidated, we take pride in the safety culture we continue to build and nurture, recognising that the lessons from this month extend far beyond October.

Why Workplace Safety Matters Every Day

Reflecting on the statistics shared during this month highlights why safety must remain a daily focus:

• 200 fatalities in 2023: Tragically, 200 Australian workers lost their lives due to work-related injuries. Each life reminds us of the real human cost of workplace incidents (Safe Work Australia).
• 139,000 serious claims: There were 139,000 serious workers’ compensation claims for injuries and illnesses in 2023. These numbers show that workplace hazards can affect anyone, regardless of role or industry (Safe Work Australia).
• 3.5% injury rate: Approximately 3.5% of Australian workers experience a work-related injury or illness each year. While this is lower than the global average, it reminds us that continuous attention and proactive safety measures are essential (Safe Work Australia).

These statistics are more than numbers – they are a call to action to reflect on the practical steps we take every day to protect ourselves and those around us.

BIC Consolidated’s Ongoing Commitment to Safety

At BIC Consolidated, safety is embedded into everything we do. Over the past month, we have been reflecting on how our initiatives continue to make a difference:

• Comprehensive training programs: Providing staff with ongoing safety training ensures they can confidently identify hazards, manage risks, and respond effectively in emergencies.
• Regularly reviewed safety protocols: By continually updating our procedures, we ensure our teams are aligned with best practices and regulatory standards.
• Proactive risk management: We take a forward-looking approach, assessing risks before they result in incidents.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives: Safety is not only physical. Our programs support mental health, ensuring our staff feel secure, supported, and valued.
• Collaboration with clients: A safe workplace is a shared responsibility. By working closely with clients, we ensure safety standards are upheld across all sites.

Reflecting on these efforts reminds us that safety is not a box to tick – it is a daily commitment that protects people, builds trust, and strengthens our industry.

Lessons from National Safe Work Month 2025

This month, the theme “Safety: Every Job, Every Day” encouraged all of us to pause and consider how we contribute to a safe workplace. As we conclude October, it’s clear that fostering a safety culture is about:

• Shared accountability: Safety thrives when everyone – employees, contractors, and clients – actively participates.
• Open communication: Encouraging discussions about near-misses, hazards, and improvements strengthens our collective understanding.
• Continuous learning: Reflecting on incidents, training, and protocols helps us improve our safety practices day after day.

National Safe Work Month is a reminder, but the reflection and learning it inspires must continue throughout the year.

Continuing the Journey

As we wrap up this month, we invite our employees, clients, and partners to take a moment to reflect on what they have learned about safety. Consider the practical steps that can be applied every day, and continue the conversations started in October. Safety is an ongoing journey – one that requires vigilance, collaboration, and care.

For more information and resources, visit the National Safe Work Month website.

At BIC Consolidated, we are proud of the progress we have made, but we know there is always more to do. Let’s carry the spirit of National Safe Work Month forward and make every day a safe day for everyone.

About the author - Clea Vazquez

Head of Risk Management

With deep expertise in risk management, safety improvement, and integrated management systems, Clea plays a critical role in driving operational safety and compliance across the organisation. A certified lead auditor in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, and ISO 45001, she leads both internal site-based and desktop audits, ensuring rigorous adherence to national standards. Clea also oversees risk assessments, safety reporting, and public liability incident management. She works closely with executive leadership and represents BIC Consolidated’s compliance to both internal teams and external stakeholders.