CEO of Safe Work Australia Michelle Baxter launched 2016 National Safe Work Month in a video message that appeals to workers to save lives by having a conversation, sharing stories and raising awareness about work health and safety.

Each October, National Safe Work Month encourages all Australians to make health and safety a priority in their workplace to reduce injury, death and disease.

"Work health and safety is something every single worker needs to be aware of," says Baxter.

"National Safe Work Month has been running for over a decade and, during this time, there has been a steady decline in the number of workers injured or killed at work. However, each year, almost 200 people are still heading off to work and not returning home.

"We can do better than this. We can improve these statistics and this can start with a simple conversation. The more we talk about work health and safety, the more it becomes a normal part of our conversation and everyday work life."

Safe Work Australia is running a number of Virtual Seminars this month.

"During October, our seminars will feature conversations about workplace mental health, work-related fatigue, safety for emergency services personnel, and Indigenous-led work safety. Share them with your colleagues to start a conversation and raise awareness."

"I urge everyone to get involved in National Safe Work Month as even simple actions can make a huge difference," she adds.