Workers Comp in Australia New Safety Initiative in Queensland

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (Australia) is introducing a new initiative involving every medium sized business across the state. For more Information: www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com

As part of the initiative 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.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is offering businesses a free voluntary advisory session to identify workplace health and safety issues and develop better safety practices before an inspection takes place.

Why are we conducting this initiative?

In Queensland there are more than 8,000 medium sized businesses, representing about 4% of all businesses paying premiums to WorkCover Queensland. However, these businesses account for over 30% of all workers' comp claims lodged every year. The initiative aims to improve the overall health and safety of Queensland workers and workplaces by:

1. Reducing the number of injuries and fatalities occurring in their business.

2. Increasing their awareness and knowledge of workplace health and safety risks and obligations. and

3. Improving their capability to manage effectively 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 years 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 starts 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.

How will businesses be selected for each wave?

Businesses participating in each wave are determined by the optimum use of WHSQ's inspector resources. Claims history or previous inspector visits will not be used to select which business is involved in each 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.

How do I register for a free advisory session?

You can only register for an advisory as part of this initiative once you receive your letter in 2010. The letter contains a unique registration code you must use to register for an advisory session. When the letter arrives you can either visit the WHSQ website (www.worksafe.qld.gov.au) to register or you can phone the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915. Businesses can only register a maximum of two attendees to the advisory session.

What is involved in the inspection?

The inspection focuses 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. (workersxzcompxzkit)

How can I prepare for the inspector visit?

Attending a free advisory session is the best way for businesses to prepare for the inspection.

Businesses can also conduct self-assessments and review safety management systems within their workplace. Resources available to assist in this process include:

1. Serious about Safe Business pack – Contains tools, checklists and information to help you implement a simple safety management system to make your workplace safer.

2. Industry hotspots fact sheets – Safety tips on how to prevent the most common injuries in the following industries:

a. Construction

b. Health and community services

c. Hospitality, recreation and other services

d. Manufacturing

e. Retail and wholesale

f. Rural

g. Transport and storage

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers' Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.

Podcast/Webcast: How To Prevent Fraudulent Workers' Compensation Claims Click Here http://www.workerscompkit.com/gallagher/podcast/

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FREE WC IQ Test: http://www.workerscompkit.com/intro/
WC Books: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/workers-comp-books-manuals.php

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.