Minister for Employment, Suzanne Orr, said that workers should approach their colleagues if they are worried about them. She was speaking at the launch of "Safe Work Month".

"It can be quite difficult to approach someone who you think is having trouble with mental health," she said.

"It's often appreciated when you do approach them. Often it can be something like just going forward and saying 'how's it going, today?'."

"Often that can help start the conversation and help people to feel empowered to seek help to get the support they need."

She said there was a lot of online support available. There were apps and web sites to help employers and employees audit workplaces for dangers, both mental and physical.

Ms Orr was speaking at an event at Canberra Airport to highlight the importance of safety at work.

Canberra Airport chief executive, Stephen Byron, told staff that reporting issues was important - it wasn't about blame, he said.

"We all have a responsibility to look out for our colleagues, their safety and their well-being, and we see those positive results in the excellent experience we create for our customers" Mr Byron said.

ACT Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said that it was important for employers to show leadership when it comes to safety.

"Ensuring that the safety and well-being of your workers is the key to meeting your legislative responsibilities. This includes their psychological well-being as well as the physical aspects of the workplace - these elements go hand-in-hand", Mr Jones said.

The chief executive of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Greg Hood, said, "Our first job is to make sure that we all go home safely together."

The ACT minister declined to take questions about carbon dioxide emissions and travelling by air, something some activists view as important to the safety of the planet.