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HSR News May 2023 | IWMD, WHS Act Review

International Workers’ Memorial Day

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On Friday 28 April workers and families across the country solemnly gathered for International Workers’ Memorial Day.

We gather on this day to acknowledge, remember, and pay our respect to those we have lost and those who have suffered serious injuries or illnesses as a result of work – and also to renew our commitment to continue to fight for better health and safety laws for all.

Here in Brisbane, we came together at Emma Miller Place to remember those loved ones who have been killed or injured in their employment.

At least 21 Queensland workers were killed from work-related incidents, as well as six further bystanders in the past 12 months (1 March 2022 – 28 February 2023). These included six workers killed in the construction industry, seven in agriculture, four in transport, postal and warehousing, and four in manufacturing. 27 in total and 27 too many.

IMG_1534A further two workplace deaths included Constable Rachel McCrow and constable Matthew Arnold who were murdered late last year performing their duties at a rural property at the Western Downs, and who were only 29 and 26 years old.

These numbers do not include deaths caused by road traffic incidents, suicide, and other fatalities in the mining, quarrying, national rail and other Commonwealth health and safety jurisdictions.

They also do not include the number of workers who were seriously injured or suffering from fatal or debilitating injuries, illnesses, and diseases as a result of work.

This is why it is important that we continue to build and support Health and Safety Reps in the workplace and continue to fight for and maintain strong work health and safety laws.

Having Health and Safety Representatives in the workplace, makes for a safer workplace. Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely each and every day.

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Review of the WHS Act – Recommendations

In 2022, the Queensland Government facilitated an independent review of Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act.

Part of that review included the QCU and affiliate unions who participate in the QCU WHS committee providing submissions to the Independent Reviewers recommending improvements to the legislative framework, after consulting with workers/HSRs, conducting surveys, and through regular discussions with representatives from various industries. The principal focus of the review was to improve the rights, functions and protections of Health and Safety Reps.

We are pleased to announce the report recommendations have now been published. You can access and read these recommendations at Work Health and Safety Act 2011 review | Office of Industrial Relations (oir.qld.gov.au).

The report identifies there are areas of improvement within the Act to help better support Health and Safety Representatives in undertaking their important role.

A number of these recommendations include:WHS Act recs

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