With uncertainty surrounding workplace safety laws, large crowds flocked to information sessions at the Safety Show in Sydney late last month.

There was standing room only at the free workshops held by Safe Work Australia and law firm Norton Rose on harmonisation of the occupational health and safety laws. Among the key messages from the Safe Work Australia session was that the Model Work Health and Safety Act extends protections to all types of workers, not just employees.

Attendees were also treated to a preview of the draft model work health and safety regulations and priority model codes of practice and invited to make comment when they are released towards the end of the year.

Workshops from The Safety Show's principal sponsor, WorkCover NSW, offered specialised advice for the building and construction, health and community services, manufacturing, small business, and transport and storage sectors.

The Safety Show and Sydney Materials Handling will return to the Sydney Showground at Homebush from October 25 to 27 next year.

Safety In Action will be held in Melbourne from April 5 to 7 next year and the Queensland Safety Show will be held from June 21 to 23 next year.

For more information visit www.thesafetyshow.com, email safetyvisitor@aec.net.au or phone Australian Exhibitions & Conferences Pty Ltd on 03 9654 7773.