Executive Director's update

The beginning of a new year is an opportune time to look back on our successes and forwards to our new goals.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has come a long way over the past five years. Our awareness strategies have built awareness of workplace health and safety issues around Queensland. Industry plans have identified and targeted solutions for specific problem areas. We have assisted industry through special programs such as the Construction Strategy and the Small Business Program. And we have worked with other states and territories towards greater consistency in workplace health and safety practice across the country.

Judy Bertram has been at the helm of the division for those five years and we are extremely grateful for her dedication and commitment to ensure safe and healthy workplaces across Queensland. Judy leaves us to take up a new position as Deputy Director-General, Department of Child Safety. We wish her all the best and thank her for her invaluable contribution.

2008 heralds the introduction of second generation industry plans designed to meet the aims of the Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Strategy 2004–12.

We will continue to work with industry to assist and encourage businesses to meet their legal responsibilities in workplace health and safety, adopt good work practices and systems and promote a positive safety culture. Consultation, analysis and a greater understanding of industry will determine a strategic approach to health and safety that will better meet the needs of workers and employers.

The new industry action plans and increased promotion of workplace health and safety issues will contribute to the department’s strategic goals.

We will produce three issues of SAFE this year so make sure you get your printed copy by subscribing to SAFE and SAFE Rural. You can also register for monthly updates via email – just to make sure that you are always up to date on the issues of health and safety that are as important to our families and friends as they are to our workplace.

I look forward to working with you to create healthy and safe workplaces in 2008.

Simon Blackwood
Acting Executive Director
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

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