Stevedoring safety standards set for Queensland wharfies

From Easter Saturday onwards, wharfies in Queensland will be protected by national stevedoring safety guidelines.

The Managing risks in stevedoring code of practice is approved national guidance under harmonised work health and safety laws, and Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace said she was pleased the code is now being adopted in Queensland.

“Wharf operators in this state have already begun implementing processes to meet the code, so it’s clear the industry embraces the high safety standards it sets,” Ms Grace said.

“The code provides practical guidance on managing risks associated with stevedoring. It applies to all workplaces where stevedoring operations are carried out.

“And from 1 July, duty holders will be legally required to comply with these standards, which makes it a much more enforceable compliance tool on Queensland wharfs than in other jurisdictions.”

While there was a decline in the overall rate of serious claims in the stevedoring industry from 2003 to 2013, the national rate of serious injury on the waterfront is more than three times the average rate for all industries and more than twice the rate of the transport, postal and warehousing or construction industry.

The Queensland stevedoring industry has an average of 57 workers’ compensation claims for serious injuries each year, at a total cost to employers, workers and the community of almost $4.3 million per year.

The introduction of a code of practice for the stevedoring industry in Queensland is estimated to provide a net present value (NPV) of approximately $3.5 million to employers, workers and the community.

The code was developed in consultation with stakeholders from QUBE Ports, DP World Australia, Patrick, Shipping Australia and the Maritime Union of Australia, as well as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Safe Work Australia.

“During discussions and meetings, representatives from the stevedoring industry indicated they are fully prepared for the code and supportive of the enhanced safety culture it will deliver,” Ms Grace said.

“The code clearly spells out how compliance is achieved. It will make our wharfs safer and those in the stevedoring industry can return home to their loved ones at the end of every shift.”

There was significant public consultation during the development of the draft Managing risks in stevedoring code of practice and a consultation regulatory impact statement (RIS) was released with the draft model code for public comment.

For more information on the Managing risks in stevedoring code of practice 2018 go to worksafe.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Emma Clarey – 3719 7110