Top Workplace Health & Safety Tips to Start the Year

As we kick off the new year, it’s a great time to refresh your focus on workplace health and safety (WHS). To help your business start the year strong, we’re sharing top WHS tips from EML, a leading workplace safety and insurance provider. Following these tips can help keep your team safe, reduce injuries, and build a positive safety culture.

1. Protect Your Team from Sun & Heat

Summer heat and UV exposure can pose serious risks, especially for outdoor workers. Heat stress, dehydration, and skin damage all affect wellbeing and productivity.

What you can do:

·         Develop a heat management plan with your team.

·         Provide shade, hydration, and regular breaks.

·         Supply protective gear like UPF 50+ clothing, sunscreen, and wide‑brimmed hats.

2. Support Mental Health

The transition back to work after the holidays can be tough. Supporting mental wellbeing strengthens both individuals and the team.

What you can do:

·         Promote open conversations about mental health.

·         Use checklists to identify potential gaps in support.

·         Share available resources, training, and support services.

3. Prevent Manual Handling Injuries

After a break, bodies need time to get back into full work routines. Heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, or rushing can lead to strains and sprains.

What you can do:

·         Encourage warm-up routines before physical tasks.

·         Schedule regular rest breaks.

·         Share injury-prevention tips and resources with your team.

4. Check in on Remote Worker Safety

Flexible and remote work arrangements are common. Ensure remote employees have the training and tools they need to identify hazards and manage risks effectively.

Retail and customer-facing teams may also face challenges such as customer aggression — consider strategies to address these psychosocial risks too.

5. Hold a Safety Start-Up Meeting

Schedule a WHS reset early in the year to reconnect on safety priorities.

Use this time to:

·         Review your risk register.

·         Discuss new hazards or changes in work.

·         Set mid-year check-ins to maintain safety momentum.

Ongoing WHS Resources

Stay up to date with WHS best practices and regulations to protect your team and your business. Make sure your staff know where to find tools, posters, and training that support safety all year round.

Starting the year with WHS top of mind helps create a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace. For more details, explore the full guide from EML: Top WHS Tips to Start the Year.