Overview
The Workplace Health and Safety Specialist at Quilpie Shire Council will lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the Council's work health and safety management and quality assurance systems.
In this senior role the specialist ensures compliance with relevant legislation, fosters a proactive safety culture, and provides expert guidance to management and staff.
Responsibilities
Develop, implement and maintain Council's Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management System.
Ensure Council meets legislative obligations related to workplace health and safety.
Translate complex legislation into practical guidance and provide expert WHS advice to management and employees.
Lead and coach staff and managers on WHS responsibilities, fostering ownership and accountability across all levels.
Monitor WHS statistics, analyse trends and report key performance indicators to inform strategic decision-making.
Investigate incidents, accidents and near misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Conduct workplace inspections and audits to identify hazards and recommend improvements.
Coordinate internal WHS audits and contribute to external reporting requirements, including updates to the Health and Safety Consultation Group and Executive Leadership Team.
Promote a proactive safety culture where safety is prioritised throughout the organisation.
Collaborate with the Council's Training and Housing Officer to develop and deliver WHS and compliance training programs.
Support emergency preparedness by maintaining up-to-date plans, conducting drills, establishing procedures and reviewing incidents.
Manage rehabilitation programmes for injured workers in line with Council policy and legislative requirements.
Oversee the Council's immunisation program in accordance with policy.
Administer and participate in the Council's Health and Safety Consultation Group.
Maintain and mature the WHS Management System, ensuring documentation is current, accessible, and aligned with legislative changes.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of and apply WHS legislation and industry best practices.
Ensure personal protective equipment supplied by Council complies with current industry standards and is regularly reviewed.
Ensure fire safety compliance through regular equipment inspections, testing and the delivery of fire evacuation training.
Oversee the maintenance and regular auditing of first aid kits.
Promote wellbeing initiatives that complement WHS objectives, such as mental health support, fatigue management and ergonomic assessments.
Fulfil regulatory responsibilities under the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act ****.
Perform the role of Contact Officer under Councils Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.
Perform the role of Complaints Officer under Councils Workplace Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Policy.
Manage and coordinate Council's Drug and Alcohol testing programme.
Participate in emergency response duties where applicable to support critical incident management.
Contribute to the strategic objectives of the People & Safety department by aligning WHS and quality initiatives with broader organisational goals and workforce wellbeing.
Lead and support the WHS Officer, providing guidance, oversight and direction to ensure effective delivery of operational safety initiatives.
Develop, implement and maintain Council's quality assurance system for contract works.
Prepare project-specific plans, including those related to road construction and maintenance.
Ensure Council meets all contractual obligations related to quality assurance.
Maintain accreditation of Council's quality assurance system in accordance with relevant standards.
Communicate and enforce compliance with all statutory acts, regulations and Council policies that protect the health and safety of employees, contractors and the public.
Discuss and convey safety expectations and obligations to all Queensland employees under the Workplace Health and Safety Act **** and the Local Government Act ****.
Co-operate with any reasonable policy or procedure relating to health or safety that has been notified to workers.
Observe ethics principles of integrity, impartiality, public good, commitment to government, accountability and transparency.
Fulfil duties impartially, maintain personal conduct in line with Council's Code of Conduct, and avoid actions that could detrimentally affect Council's reputation.
Execute duties to meet Council's corporate plan, effective resource management, excellence in service delivery and continual improvement.
Maintain compliance with all laws applicable to local governments, observe all laws relating to employment, and continue to improve all aspects of work performance.
Provide a healthy work environment that predominantly involves prolonged periods of desk work with occasional manual handling tasks including bending, kneeling, twisting, squatting and lifting.
Essential Skills and Experience
Respect – Demonstrated ability to build respectful, professional relationships across all levels.
Coaching and mentoring experience, including leading WHS personnel in a supportive, inclusive manner.
Strong commitment to ethical conduct and professional standards in safety and compliance.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex WHS and quality concepts clearly.
Experience delivering WHS training and facilitating safety consultations and committee meetings.
Skilled in active listening and constructive dialogue to resolve safety concerns.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant safety documentation software.
Tertiary qualifications in Work Health and Safety, Occupational Health, Risk Management or related field.
Qualified Rehabilitation Return to Work Coordinator.
Successful completion of Traffic Management Design.
Current General Construction Induction Card.
Current First Aid and CPR Competency.
Current unrestricted Queensland 'C' Class Drivers Licence.
Demonstrated integrity and discretion in managing sensitive WHS matters.
Experience acting as a Contact Officer or Complaints Officer under relevant workplace policies.
Experience fostering trust through consistent, transparent and empathetic leadership.
History of working collaboratively across departments and contributing to cross-functional initiatives.
Desirable Skills and Experience
Participation in initiatives that promote inclusion, equity or employee wellbeing.
Experience developing communication strategies or resources to promote WHS awareness.
Experience using digital safety reporting systems such as Safety Culture or Sheqsy.
Formal training in conflict resolution, mediation or workplace investigations.
Experience supporting psychological safety and wellbeing initiatives.
Accreditation or formal training in quality management systems (e.g. ISO ****).
Experience in local government in a similar WHS or quality role.
Familiarity with the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act ****.
Extensive experience developing and implementing WHS and quality assurance systems.
Strong analytical skills with a track record of improving safety performance through data-driven insights.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Government Administration
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