The Queensland Government has released a new online film to help executive officers better understand their obligations under the state’s new health and safety laws.

 

State Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick said the new laws place increased responsibility on senior executives to ensure their company maintains health and safety

 

The new laws require company directors to:

  • Acquire and keep an up-to-date knowledge of health and safety matters;
  • Gain an understanding of hazards and risks associated with the company operations;
  • Ensure appropriate resources are available to eliminate or minimise risks from work carried out;
  • Ensure appropriate processes for obtaining information about incidents, hazards and risks, and responding to them;
  • Ensure processes for complying with duties are implemented, e.g. reporting, consultation arrangements, training and instruction; and
  • Verify the provision and use of resources for the matters listed above.

Mr Dick said the film pointed out that good safety management was also good business.

 

“If you can improve the welfare and productivity of your staff you will improve your bottom line,” he said.

 

“Safety comes with a value component—unsafe practices cost money, while safe practices reduce costs through downtime, absenteeism and workers’ compensation premiums.”

 

For more information visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au or telephone 1300 369 915.

 

The executive officer film is available at http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/publications/multimedia/executive-officers/index.htm