GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES UNVEILED AT QUEENSLAND SAFETY SHOW

Two new government initiatives aimed at making workplaces safer were unveiled today at the Queensland Safety Show at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, a principal sponsor of the show, is featuring its Safe Business is Good Business and Preventing Work-related Psychological Injury initiatives in its display.

“WHSQ has partnered with the New South Wales, Victorian and South Australian safety authorities to make the Safe Business is Good Business information pack available free to employers,” Mr Mickel said.

“Visitors to the WHSQ stand at the show will be among the first Queensland businesses to get the pack which offer businesses practical, consistent information on what is required from them to comply with workplace health and safety legislation, injury management and workers’ compensation.

“Businesses can expect the same advice and approach to workplace health and safety in all four states.

“It is a particularly useful tool for employers who want to make their workplace safer but are unsure where to start, are confused about their safety obligations or are uncertain whether they comply with safety laws.

“The pack contains a simple ‘Compliance at a glance’ checklist so an employer can see how their workplace rates and what they need to do to improve. Advice sheets on a range of common health and safety topics are also included.”

Mr Mickel said information on the prevention of workplace injuries associated with psychological hazards, such as workplace harassment, is also available at the WHSQ display stand during the three-day show.

“This is a very important issue as workplace illness as a result of psychological harm has emerged as a leading cause of workers’ compensation claims.

“WHSQ is currently working with the University of Queensland to develop a reliable tool for assessing occupational stress hazards and plans to make it available free to all Queensland employers to assist them to reduce the risk of work-related psychological injury.”

Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion on 322 46784

19 June 2007