The new Summit events include:

• The Workplace Wellbeing Summit
• The Construction Health and Safety Summit
• The Construction Health and Safety Summit

“These are free-to-attend, half-day summits that bring together industry experts and subject matter experts, to explore these key topics,” says Stephen Blackie, Commercial Director, National Media – the organisers of the Workplace Health and Safety Show.

Shaping a healthier future for the construction industry

While the construction sector has made great strides towards improved safety standards, it continues to report a disproportionate number of accidents, injuries and deaths, compared to other industry sectors. Data from WorkSafe Australia reveals that between 2003 and 2022, the construction industry reported 675 fatalities, making it the sector with the third-highest rate of fatalities. “In addition, the sector presents with double the rate of suicide, compared with other sectors,” adds Stephen. “Yet many of these fatalities and suicides can be prevented.”

The Construction Health and Safety Summit will address critical issues and industry challenges, covering topics ranging from mental health and psychosocial risk factors to AI for construction safety; management of Silica exposure; as well as the latest construction-specific safety strategies and tools.

Key speakers include:

• Jeremy Trotman, President - Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH)
• Helen Lingard, Distinguished Professor - RMIT
• Sarah Cuscadden, Chief Safety Officer - In Her Boots & Melbourne Safety Co.
• Julie Gratton, Safety, Health, Environment & Wellbeing Director, Australia & New Zealand - Aecom
• Laine Cassidy, Director, People & Inclusion – KPMG
• Bill Carson, Author, Speaker, Facilitator and Coach - Inspire Learning
• Kurt Warren, National HSEQ Manager - Hansen Yuncken

Developing a robust safety culture
The new Construction Health and Safety Summit will explore insights and practical strategies to foster a culture of safety in an organisation. “Having a strong safety culture is about creating a strong foundation for your safety initiatives, and fostering an environment where everyone on the team takes ownership for safety in the workplace,” says Stephen.

This Summit brings together a number of senior OHS leaders to discuss safety culture in complex and diverse environments, how to rethinking leadership and how to leverage technology to build a safer future for all. Speakers confirmed for this Summit include:

• Jo Cairns, Chief People and Safety Officer - BINGO Industries
• Sally Stahmer, HSE Director - APAC - Aquila Clean Energy
• Kate Connors, Previous Chief Mental Health Officer, PWC. Chief Mental Health Advisor, Elemental Coaching & Psychology
• Harshu Deshpande  - Start-up/Scale-up Advisor – Google

The mental wellbeing shift that drives enhanced organisational performance

In the new, two-day Workplace Wellbeing Summit, esteemed thought leaders will share their mental health insights and best practices. The focus of the Summit is on the development of a resilient workforce and the implementation of authentic wellbeing programs and practices that make a measurable difference.

“There’s an unmistakable shift towards prioritising mental wellbeing. It’s now recognised as a crucial part of business strategy, because a happy and healthy workforce is more engaged and more productive,” says Stephen. “Employers are no longer seeing the management of mental wellbeing as something they’re obliged to do. It’s something they really want to do.”

Visitors to the Workplace Wellbeing Summit will learn how to manage psychosocial risks and legislation, tackle difficult conversations and support their workforce when the unthinkable happens. The speaker line-up includes:

• Dr Georgi Toma, Director - Heart and Brain Works
• David Rosetto, Engagement Manager - Black Dog Institute
• Laura Sowden, Partner - Mills Oakley Lawyers; Anna Ly, Associate - Mills Oakley Lawyers
• Simon Brown-Greaves, Chief Mental Health Officer - Australia Post
• Jessica Simionato, Workforce Wellbeing Lead - Austin Health
• Nicola Hogan, Health, Safety & Wellbeing Lead – Westpac
• Michelle Falzon, Positive Psychology Coach & Mentor - Positive Wellbeing Education

Creating safer, healthier workplaces, together

Alongside these new Summit Stage programs are the Show’s Spotlight Stage, showcasing a wide array of services and products, and the Knowledge Hub, where industry experts will explore workplace safety and health through interactive forums and seminars. An exhibition tops off the education programs, with over 130 brands showcasing the latest in safety, health and hygiene products, solutions and services. “This is tremendous value for attendees, especially as registration for the show is free,” says Stephen.

“Visitors will benefit not only from the opportunity to network and connect with their peers and industry specialists, they’ll leave with the knowledge, practical insights and solutions required to create safer, healthier and more productive workplaces,” he concludes.

Information about the new Summits, as well as details of the speakers and agenda, are available at https://whsshow.com.au/whats-on-melbourne.

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About the Workplace Health & Safety Show 2024

The 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.

Supported by the Australian Institute of Health & Safety, the event attracts thousands of professionals responsible for occupational health and safety and workforce wellbeing at Australia’s largest companies and worksites, 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:

• Wednesday 22 – Thursday 23 May 2024 Melbourne, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
• Wednesday 23 - Thursday 24 October 2024, Sydney Showground, Olympic Park

Website: www.whsshow.com.au