Schedule of activities

2026 National Safe Work Month Events

The Augusta Zadow Awards Ceremony

2 October 2026

The Augusta Zadow Awards recognise the work of South Australia's first female inspector of factories, Augusta Zadow (external site), who fought for the work health and safety rights of women and young workers.

Since the Augusta Zadow Awards grants program launched in 2005, SafeWork SA has awarded 44 grants to fund safety initiatives benefiting businesses, workers and the community valued at almost $475,000.

This year, each successful initiative will receive up to $25,000 in funding. The total grant pool is $40,000.

Grant recipients will be notified and invited to a presentation ceremony in October 2026.

Mock Court

7 October 1-4pm 2026

Venue: Playford Civic Centre, 10 Playford Blvd, Adelaide South Australia 5112 (external site)

Venue Capacity: 500

Scenario: Contractor management (EWP incident) A subcontracted cleaner is brought in to clean the arts centre ahead of the unveiling of a new art installation. The General Manager gives the cleaner access to a Council-owned Scissor lift to assist with cleaning the high walls and lights. Whilst operating the scissor lift, it comes into contact with scaffolding which collapses and injures the cleaner. Mock Trial: The Council and the General Manager face charges that they have breached their health and safety duties. This mock trial explores contractor management, inductions and plant maintenance and safety.

HSR Forum

8 October 2026

The 2026 HSR Forum will be hosted by SafeWork SA in conjunction with ReturnToWorkSA on Thursday, 8 October at Morphettville Racecourse, 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville SA 5043

Health and Safety Representatives can register here (external site) (external site) (external site).

SAMERC

21-23 October 2026

A record 12 mine rescue teams will compete in Adelaide from 21–23 October as SAMERC comes to the MFS Angle Park Training Centre for the first time. Visitors can watch teams tackle realistic rescue challenges, including vertical rescue, firefighting and mass‑casualty response.

SAMERC is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers and supported by industry sponsors committed to improving emergency preparedness and mine safety.

For more information about the South Australian Mines Emergency Response Competition, visit www.samerc.com.au site) (external site)