As Western Australian students return to schools this week, the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s WorkSafe group is delivering on its commitment to keep the State’s new and young workers safe by upgrading its SmartMove website, an online initiative that educates them about work health and safety (WHS).
SmartMove offers a practical way for WA’s new and young workers to learn about potential hazards, understand their rights and responsibilities and feel better prepared for the workplace.
Its industry certificate modules begin with a general module that introduces basic WHS laws, identifies common workplace hazards and outlines key harm-prevention strategies. After completing this foundation unit, participants can progress to one of 17 industry-specific modules tailored to their particular work environments.
Its alternative learning courses—specifically designed for learners with physical, medical or other disabilities—explore major WHS topics in ways that are clear and accessible to diverse groups.
Its information sessions provide anytime access to additional and timely WHS resources about subjects such as working safely in the sun, recycling hazardous waste and addressing workplace bullying.
According to WorkSafe, 12 young workers—defined as employees aged between 15 and 24—lost their lives in WA over the past five years. In WA, one in eight work-related injuries involves young workers, resulting in the loss of more than 27,000 workdays each year.
WorkSafe Commissioner Sally North said that SmartMove’s improved accessibility, functionality and visibility should contribute to better WHS outcomes for WA’s new and young workers.
“SmartMove is already one of Australia’s most visited WHS training websites—the domain recorded 339,396 visitors in the 2024–25 financial year—and its recent technical upgrades should result in even greater levels of user engagement,” Ms North said.
“We are committed to keeping WA’s new and young workers safe at work. Making WHS knowledge part of everyday learning helps prepare WA’s new and young workers to work safely and confidently. SmartMove encourages WA’s new and young workers to see WHS as an essential part of their preparation for employment.”
Visit the SmartMove website.