Our Easy Guide to Understanding Safety Training Obligations for Queensland Workplaces

Navigating the complexities of safety training obligations in Queensland workplaces is crucial for not only adhering to legal requirements but also for ensuring a safe working environment. Failure to provide the required training can result in hefty fines and penalties, especially if a lack of training leads to workplace accidents or injuries.

We’ve put together this guide to help you identify what your obligations are as a Queensland business, detailing mandatory safety training obligations as outlined in the Work Health and Safety Act (QLD) 2011. We’ll also explore additional requirements based on various workplace factors like staff numbers and industry type, and provide practical advice on implementing these requirements effectively.

What are the safety training obligations for all Queensland workplaces?

In Queensland, all workplaces must adhere to the Work Health and Safety Act (QLD) 2011. Under the act, employers have a duty of care and are responsible for providing the necessary information, training, and supervision to ensure the safety and health of their workers.

General Safety Induction:

New workers must receive comprehensive induction training covering health and safety responsibilities, hazard identification, safe work procedures, and emergency procedures.

Task-Specific Training:

Employees must receive training specific to the tasks they will perform, including the safe operation of machinery and handling of substances.

Emergency Procedures Training:

Workers must be trained on how to act in emergencies, including evacuation procedures and the use of fire extinguishers.

Health Monitoring and Supervision:

Employers must provide ongoing supervision and monitor the health of workers, especially those exposed to specific risks.

First Aid Training:

While not every worker needs to be trained in first aid, every Queensland workplace must have access to adequately trained first aid personnel. The specific number of trained first aiders will depend on the size and risk level of the workplace.

High-Risk Work Licences:

For tasks that involve high-risk work, such as operating cranes, forklifts, or performing scaffolding work, employees must undergo formal training and obtain a relevant high-risk work licence.

You must:

Provide this training when a new employee starts and provide regular refresher training

Update your training and instruction materials if you make changes to your business (e.g. to equipment, materials or processes)

Provide any industry-specific training related to your business (if required).

Additional Obligations for Workplaces with Over 30 People

Dedicated Safety Roles:

Larger workplaces should appoint safety officers or coordinators and establish safety committees to manage safety practices and compliance effectively.

Comprehensive Training:

Implement role-specific safety training, including for supervisors and managers on promoting safety culture and conducting hazard assessments.

Emergency Preparedness:

Regularly update detailed evacuation plans and conduct frequent drills to ensure all employees, including new hires across various shifts, are well-prepared.

Frequent Safety Audits:

More regular safety audits are necessary to identify and mitigate risks in larger teams, with findings used to refine safety measures continuously.

Record Keeping and Communications:

Maintain detailed training records to prove compliance during inspections and develop targeted communication strategies, possibly including multilingual materials, to meet the diverse needs of the workforce.

Safety Training Obligations for High-Risk Workplaces in Queensland

In Queensland, workplaces classified as "high-risk" have specific obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees. These obligations include:

Enhanced Training: High-risk workplaces must provide specialised safety training that is more frequent and comprehensive than standard environments. This includes task-specific hazard training and emergency response drills.
Risk Assessments: Conduct regular and thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with high-risk activities and implement effective control measures.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing and maintaining appropriate personal protective equipment for all workers to protect against the specific risks present in their work environment.
Health Monitoring: Implementing health monitoring for workers exposed to hazardous chemicals, noise, or other health risks, ensuring any health impacts are identified and managed promptly.
Emergency Preparedness: Developing and maintaining detailed emergency plans that address the specific scenarios likely to occur in high-risk settings, including the provision of first aid facilities and training for all workers.

Where to find the right safety training to meet your obligations and requirements

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Life International Training can assist Queensland businesses by providing tailored safety training solutions that meet the stringent requirements of workplace safety regulations. We provide an extensive range of high-level safety services including customised safety training, compliance assurance, emergency preparedness training, refresher courses and risk assessments and consultations. Just some of the training courses we offer include:

First Aid Training:

Including advanced first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, rescue from a live LV panel, advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy

Fire Safety Training:

Including evacuation training and other regulated annual training

Manual Handling Training:

Covering both people and inanimate objects

Chemical Compliance:

Including chemical handling and spill management

Industry Specific & High-Risk Training:

Such as work safely at heights, work in confined space, license to operate a forklift, plus more.

If you are unsure what training you need, our expert team are happy to advise on a training plan based on your obligations and workplace requirements.

Life International Training ensures that your workforce is not only compliant with the latest safety regulations but also equipped with the knowledge and skills to maintain a safe working environment. Each course is designed to address the unique challenges of different industries, providing practical, hands-on experience that translates directly to workplace needs.

We’re here to help. Get in touch today for expert advice and training.

Contact Us