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Workplace Health and Safety targets medium sized businesses

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland will visit every medium sized business in Queensland in 2010 and 2011 to check their compliance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (PDF, 766 kB).

Businesses will be offered a free voluntary advisory session to identify workplace health and safety issues and develop better safety practices before the inspections take place.

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
• 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.

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.

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. More information about the inspections, including the audit checklists being used by the inspectors will be available on the WHSQ website from March 2010.

Please visit the Medium sized business initiative page for more information on the initiative including registering for a free advisory in your region, tools and resources on how to prepare for the inspection or call the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915.