Important: From 1 January 2012, information on this website is being reviewed and must be read in conjunction with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

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Safe Work Week 2011

Thousands of workers, employers and community members right across Queensland got involved in this year's Safe Work Week activities throughout October demonstrating their commitment to improving work health and safety.

There were record turnouts for many of the activities in Brisbane and regional events, with the Workplace Health and Safety Symposium booking out in minutes, and thousands of people flocking to hear Safety Ambassador Mal Meninga speak at the King George Square Safe Work Week public breakfast. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland's message this year to workers, employers and the community was 'Be on a winning team: achieve zero harm at work'.

For the second year running Queensland Safety Ambassador Mal Meninga told in his own words what workplace safety meant to him and delivered a strong message on the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Safe Work Week plays a vital role in spreading the message throughout the community that workplace safety is for everyone—we all have a role to play in cutting injury and death from the workplace.

Both Mal and Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick highlighted the fact that in Queensland alone, there are more than 100 work-related deaths a year, at an annual cost to the economy of $6.2 billion, let alone the devastation this brings to families, friends, work mates and the community.

Mal also appeared at five regional forums attended by around 500 business owners and CEOs from companies, associations and unions across Queensland. Zero Harm at Work Leadership Program forums were held in Townsville, Gladstone, Caloundra, Ipswich and the Gold Coast giving business leaders a unique opportunity to discuss workplace health and safety issues.

In addition to the safety message, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland held information sessions on the national harmonisation of WHS laws, due to take effect from 1 January 2012. Thirty sessions were held around the state, delivering information and resources to over 8000 attendees, helping them prepare their workplaces for the changes that the new laws will bring.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland would like to thank all the workplaces who helped support Safe Work Week by attending our events, holding your own events or distributing Safe Work Week materials to your colleagues, industry contacts, family and friends.

Visit the photo gallery page.