What do we need to know about Workplace Health and Safety in 2026: A Q&A with industry expert Paul Deakin

Paul Deakin is an experienced advisor in Employment Law and a Workplace Health and Safety specialist with a particular interest in personal injury litigation, occupational health and safety, and mental health and wellbeing. He is an Officer of the Supreme Court of Australia and a qualified lawyer, auditor, mediator and trainer.

Paul is also Head of Faculty at iTFE’s WHS Academy. We asked him to share some insights into what safety looks like in the modern workplace.

Is there such a thing as a perfectly safe workplace?

In short, no. Workplaces are in a great state of change with hybrid, mobile and remote work, a key part of a new understanding of workplace risk. That, combined with a change in workforce demographics with more infused cultures and generational changes, safety is in a state of change.

How do you know if your workplace meets approved WHS compliance standards?

Typically, one that is measured, i.e. one that has the capacity to measure negative performance indicators (lag) and positive performance indicators (lead) against both a process (systems-based approach) and a practice (employee engagement and participation).

How can employers ensure their workers are implementing their WHS policies and practices?

Start with the basics. Employers are not law makers, but they can be law breakers. The most efficient form of governance is to remind employees (remembering that everyone employed is an employee) that they have a legal obligation to not put themselves or others at risk and to follow reasonable direction in health and safety (signs, training, SWMS etc.)

How can workplaces mitigate risks to mental health and wellbeing?

Have a discussion! The emphasis of the legal obligation is to ensure employers have open conversations about psychosocial hazards (for which there are 14 defined examples) and processes to resolve issues related to those hazards as soon as possible. Wellbeing is a state of promotion, not prevention. MHFAO and EAP providers are only engaged when someone is in crisis, by then the safety management approaches have failed.

What is unique about the courses offered at iTFE WHS Academy?

The course framework is about building on knowledge and application of skills. It enables students to come in at entry into health and safety and leave as safety professionals. Each building block is reflective of modern law, is delivered by professionals with lived WHS professional practice experience and delivers the right balance of knowledge with demonstrative practical applications.

iTFE WHS Academy

Businesses and individuals can now benefit from a range of tailored workplace safety training programs offered by the iTFE WHS Academy, including full qualifications, short courses and consultancy. The Academy offers essential training courses for First Aid, Mental Health and Safety Representatives, as well as specialist courses, executive coaching and Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety.

• Full Qualifications: Gain in-depth WHS knowledge and skills through our comprehensive training programs.
• Short Courses: Focused training on specific areas, ideal for targeted skill development.
• Regulator-Approved Courses: Meet industry standards with our accredited training programs.
• Consultancy Services: Expert guidance on audits, policy development, and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).