Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is responsible for improving workplace health and safety in QLD.

Report WH&S issues by phoning 1300 362 128 or at www.worksafe.qld.gov.au Our goal is to help reduce the risk of workers being killed or injured on the job. WHSQ assists businesses to comply with the work health and safety laws, investigates workplace fatalities and serious injuries, prosecutes breaches of legislation, and educates employees and employers on their legal obligations. WHSQ also provides policy advice on workers' compensation matters. This page is monitored Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm AEST, excluding public holidays. If you would like to report an incident or speak to WHSQ, please contact WHSQ on 1300 362 128. You can also stay in touch with WHSQ through:
eNews: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worksafeqld/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/workplace-health-and-safety-queensland
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WorkSafeQueensland

Returning to work after a work-related injury or illness is an important part of recovery and helps you get life back to...
02/10/2026

Returning to work after a work-related injury or illness is an important part of recovery and helps you get life back to normal quicker. It’s a team effort between you, your employer, WorkCover Queensland (or a self-insurer) and your medical or rehabilitation provider.

This guide outlines the steps involved in starting your recovery and getting you back to work. It also helps you understand who’s responsible for what in the process. Information in this guide is relevant for both injured workers and employers.

https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/resources/guides/getting-back-to-work

Safe Work Month 2026 starts today! Held nationally each October, Safe Work Month is about promoting safe, healthy and pr...
30/09/2026

Safe Work Month 2026 starts today!

Held nationally each October, Safe Work Month is about promoting safe, healthy and productive workplaces every day.

Follow us this month as we share practical resources, tips and tools to help make your workplace safer and healthier.

Looking for a fun and creative school holiday activity?Don't miss out on entering the Farm safety calendar competition –...
28/09/2026

Looking for a fun and creative school holiday activity?

Don't miss out on entering the Farm safety calendar competition – entries close Friday 9 October 2026🚜🎨

Encourage your Queensland primary school student to enter for a chance to win $250 for themselves and $500 for their school. Plus, the winning drawing will be featured in 40,000 copies of our free 2027 Farm safety calendar!

Download the entry template and check out the terms and conditions at: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/resources/campaigns/farm-safety-calendar-competition

Through the IPaM program, Australian-owned manufacturer Gessner has taken the opportunity to critically review and redes...
27/09/2026

Through the IPaM program, Australian-owned manufacturer Gessner has taken the opportunity to critically review and redesign its WHS management system.

The program provided the structure and guidance needed to create a simpler, more focused system that better reflects Gessner’s work environment. It has also strengthened the company’s understanding of WHS responsibilities and increased its confidence in managing compliance.

While the improvement journey continues, Gessner now has a stronger foundation to build on and is better equipped to protect its people and create a safer workplace.

Learn more about the IPaM program here: https://bit.ly/3LoMpAl

Strong leadership, supportive workplace relationships and clear communication create a culture where workers can report ...
23/09/2026

Strong leadership, supportive workplace relationships and clear communication create a culture where workers can report injuries, access support, and stay engaged in their recovery with confidence - leading to better return to work outcomes.

What can employers do today to start on this journey?

Foster a positive and psychologically safe workplace culture that supports worker health, wellbeing, rehabilitation and return to work.

Ensure workers know their workers’ compensation rights and how to access support, including available services, programs and workplace resources.

Engage workers in decision making and maintain open communication between leaders and frontline staff to identify and address workplace risks and concerns.

Want to learn more? Read the full case study, including detailed actions employers can take and a toolkit of resources. https://bit.ly/4xL35Yu

The most effective rehabilitation and return to work plans have one thing in common - they're built with people, not for...
21/09/2026

The most effective rehabilitation and return to work plans have one thing in common - they're built with people, not for people.

Did you know? Workers' compensation insurers must ensure rehabilitation and return to work plans are developed in consultation with the worker, their employer and treating health providers.

In practice, consultation looks like:

🤝 Including the worker in discussions from the start of their claim.
💬 Asking open questions and encouraging feedback.
👥 Considering everyone's perspectives before making decisions.
📩 Providing an opportunity to raise additional information after meetings.
🔄 Adapting communication to meet the worker's individual needs.

Consultation should continue throughout a worker’s recovery journey – not just when the plan is developed. From identifying barriers to recovery, to reviewing progress and suitable duties, meaningful collaboration helps ensure support remains relevant and effective.

When workers feel supported, heard and involved in decisions about their recovery, return to work outcomes improve. Employers also benefit through faster recovery, shorter claim durations and improved workplace productivity.

Learn more about return to work planning: https://bit.ly/4y02UJ7

A worker tries to start a pump. It won't run.She reaches towards the unguarded belts to adjust them.The belts suddenly s...
18/09/2026

A worker tries to start a pump. It won't run.

She reaches towards the unguarded belts to adjust them.

The belts suddenly start moving. Her hand is caught in the moving parts, resulting in serious injuries to three fingertips.

The pump had unguarded moving parts. A guard was installed after the incident.

Controls need to be in place before work starts – not after an incident occurs.

This October to December, workplace health and safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspectors will visit agriculture workplaces across Queensland to check that controls are in place to manage the risks of fixed plant.

Take a moment to review your controls and ensure they’re ready before work begins. Explore practical safety guidance for your workplace: https://bit.ly/3UwGAb9

Under Queensland workers’ compensation laws, some employers must appoint a rehabilitation and return to work coordinator...
16/09/2026

Under Queensland workers’ compensation laws, some employers must appoint a rehabilitation and return to work coordinator (RRTWC).

If you meet the requirements to appoint a RRTWC, you must:

✅ ensure they are based in Queensland, employed under a contract, and are appropriately skilled, experienced or trained for the role
✅ provide their details to your insurer within 12 months of appointing them, and within 12 months after any change in appointment.

If you don’t meet your obligations, you may face financial penalties or prosecution.

Understanding your responsibilities is an important part of supporting a worker’s recovery and achieving positive return to work outcomes.

Unsure if this applies to you? Talk to your insurer or find out more about your obligations here - Under Queensland workers’ compensation laws, some employers must appoint a rehabilitation and return to work coordinator (RRTWC).

If you meet the requirements to appoint a RRTWC, you must:

✅ ensure they are based in Queensland, employed under a contract, and are appropriately skilled, experienced or trained for the role
✅ provide their details to your insurer within 12 months of appointing them, and within 12 months after any change in appointment.

If you don’t meet your obligations, you may face financial penalties or prosecution.

Understanding your responsibilities is an important part of supporting a worker’s recovery and achieving positive return to work outcomes.

Unsure if this applies to you? Talk to your insurer or find out more about your obligations here: https://bit.ly/43B3Eb4

There’s still time for Queensland primary school students to enter the 2027 Farm Safety Calendar competition. We’re call...
15/09/2026

There’s still time for Queensland primary school students to enter the 2027 Farm Safety Calendar competition.

We’re calling on students from prep to year 6 to get creative and share an artwork that promotes a farm safety message.

Twelve artworks will be selected to feature in the 2027 Farm safety calendar, supporting important conversations about staying safe on farms and in rural communities.

Entries close 9 October.

Don’t miss out, there’s only one week left to enter and win a $250 voucher and $500 for your school!

Find out how to enter here: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/resources/campaigns/farm-safety-calendar-competition

⏰ Don't miss out. Registrations for the Work Well Conference Brisbane close at 5pm, Monday 21 September 2026. Join safet...
15/09/2026

⏰ Don't miss out.

Registrations for the Work Well Conference Brisbane close at 5pm, Monday 21 September 2026.

Join safety professionals, leaders and workplace health and safety experts from across Queensland to explore:

✅ safety leadership and culture
✅ workplace health and wellbeing
✅ rehabilitation and return to work.

Thank you to St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital and Leximed for supporting this year's event.

Register now at: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news-and-events/events/2026/work-well-conference-brisbane-2026

Address

Brisbane C*D
Brisbane, QLD
4000

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611300362128

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