Insights for 2026 – What’s Ahead for Workplace Health & Safety?

Wondering what might be in the pipeline for health and safety in 2026?  Here are six key trends employers should watch:

1. 1. Mental health-related claims are forecast to rise significantly in 2026, particularly among younger workers and those in community-based roles, reflecting growing psychosocial hazards and compounding pressures across multiple industries. Australia’s Drug Strategies

2. 2. Vehicles remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities – robust safety programs matter. Early Detection and Wellbeing

3. 3. Focus on substance misuse prevention – Victoria’s 10-Year AOD Strategy signals a broader national trend toward integrated prevention programs, combining policy reviews, education, and early detection technologies. Supporting Victoria’s 10-Year AOD Strategy

4. 4. Rise in psychosocial risk regulation with mental health claims increasing, regulators are prioritising compliance with psychosocial hazard duties under WHS laws. Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice outlines obligations for identifying and controlling these risks. Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work

5. 5. Growth in hybrid training models with demand for blended learning. Interactive online self-paced modules plus practical face-to-face sessions – will surge as businesses seek scalable, engaging compliance solutions. Good News! Our training team can already support you with this – talk to us about a customised training program here.

1. 6. Vehicle safety tech adoption with vehicle incidents remaining the leading cause of workplace fatalities, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is promoting uptake of telematics, collision-avoidance systems, and fatigue monitoring technologies through its voluntary Vehicle Safety and Environmental Technology Uptake Plan.

As always, if you’re looking for guidance and assistance, our team is Australia-wide and ready to support you in improving your health and safety.

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