Why are we conducting this initiative?
In Queensland there are nearly 8000 medium sized businesses, employing 18 per cent of Queensland's workforce. While medium sized businesses only employ about 1 in 5 of our workforce; they account for over 1 in 3 workers' compensation claims lodged every year.
The initiative aims to improve the overall health and safety of Queensland workers and workplaces by:
- - reducing the number of injuries and fatalities occurring in their business, with a particular focus on manual tasks
- - increasing their awareness and knowledge of workplace health and safety risks and obligations, and
- - improving their capability to effectively manage workplace health and safety risks in consultation with workers.
Am I a medium sized business?
For this initiative you are considered a medium sized business if your declared wages to WorkCover Queensland during the 2008-2009 financial year was between $1 million and $10 million.
Every medium sized business in Queensland will be inspected regardless of previous contact with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
When does the initiative start?
The initiative will be conducted in two separate waves. The first wave will commence in March 2010. Half of Queensland's medium sized businesses will receive a letter advising them of the initiative. If you are a medium sized business and don't receive a letter in March 2010, you will receive a letter later in 2010 advising you are part of the second wave.
How will businesses be selected for each wave?
Businesses participating in each wave will be determined by the optimum use of WHSQ's inspector resources. Claims history or previous inspector visits will not be used to select which business is involved in each wave.
What is involved in the free advisory session?
The advisory session focuses on safety systems to prevent workplace injuries. Key safety principles are explained and tools and techniques are provided to help businesses develop safe work practices. It is also an opportunity to learn more about what will happen during the inspection.
How do I register for a free advisory session?
You can only register for an advisory as part of this initiative once you receive your letter in 2010. The letter will contain a unique registration code that you must use to register for an advisory session. When the letter arrives you can either visit the WHSQ website (www.worksafe.qld.gov.au) to register or you can phone the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915
Businesses can only register a maximum of two attendees to the advisory.
What is involved in the inspection?
The inspection will focus on assessing the effectiveness of your health and safety systems, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Inspectors will draw on their enforcement options under workplace health and safety legislation to address any health and safety issues identified.
How can I prepare for the inspector visit?
We recommend you work through the Medium sized business initiative checklist (PDF, 147 kB) and make improvements to your health and safety management system before the inspector visit. This can save you time on the day of the inspection, making the inspector visit shorter and easier for you!
Other resources available to assist in this process include:
Workers compensation
If an employee is injured at work, the focus you place on their rehabilitation will impact on the cost and duration of the WorkCover claim and their successful return to work. WorkCover Queensland can provide a range of consulting services, including expert rehabilitation and return to work advice, premium forecasting, and data analysis. To find out more, call WorkCover Queensland on 1300 362 128 or visit www.workcoverqld.com.au (non Queensland Government site).
The above information is a QLD Government initiative and has been put on our website for information purposes for our clients and contractors. More information is available from the Workplace Health & Safety QLD website.
Updated: 22/06/2010
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