In addition to the principles and responsibilities applicable to all Queensland local government employees, everything Quilpie Shire Council does is underpinned by its values. These define the culture of the organisation and the behaviours that shape our interaction with the community and each other. Our values are Respect; Communication; Fun and Humour; Pride; Trust and Teamwork. 

2. Objectives of the position

The Workplace Health and Safety Specialist is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Council’s work health and safety management and quality assurance systems. 

This senior role ensures compliance with relevant legislation, fosters a proactive safety culture, and provides expert guidance to management and staff. Key objectives include monitoring safety performance, coordinating training and rehabilitation programs, investigating incidents, conducting audits, and maintaining statutory responsibilities. 

The position also oversees quality assurance for contract works, ensuring Council’s obligations and accreditation standards are met.

3. Key accountabilities – Individual 

Workplace Health and Safety

• Develop, implement and maintain Council’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management Systems.

• Ensure Council meets its legislative obligations related to workplace health and safety.

• Provide expert WHS advice to management and employees, translating complex legislation into practical guidance. 

• Lead and coach staff and managers on WHS responsibilities, fostering ownership and accountability for safety across all levels of the organisation. 

• Monitor WHS statistics, analyse trends, and report key performance indicators to inform strategic decision-making.

• Investigate incidents, accidents, and near misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. 

• Conduct workplace inspections and audits to identify hazards and recommend improvements.

• Coordinate internal WHS audits and contribute to external reporting requirements, including updates to the Health and Safety Consultation Group and Executive Leadership Team. 

• Promote a proactive safety culture where safety is prioritised across the organisation.

• Collaborate with Councils Training and Housing Officer to develop and deliver WHS and compliance training programs. 

• Support emergency preparedness by maintaining up-to-date plans, conducting drills, establishing procedures, and reviewing incidents.

• Manage rehabilitation programs for injured workers in line with Council policy and legislative requirements. 

• Oversee Councils immunisation program in accordance with policy.

• Administer and participate in Council’s Health and Safety Consultation Group.

• Maintain and mature the WHS Management System, ensuring documentation is current, accessible, and aligned with legislative changes. 

• Maintain up to date knowledge of and apply WHS legislation and industry best practices. 

• Ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied by Council complies with current industry standards and is regularly reviewed in line with legislative and technological changes.

• Ensure fire safety compliance through regular equipment inspections, testing, and the delivery of fire evacuation training.

• Oversee the maintenance and regular auditing of first aid kits.

• Promote wellbeing initiatives that complement WHS objectives, such as mental health support, fatigue management, and ergonomic assessments. 

• Fulfil regulatory responsibilities under the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999.

• Perform the role of Contact Officer under Councils Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

• Perform the role of Complaints Officer under Councils Workplace Bullying, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Policy.

• Manage and coordinate Council’s Drug and Alcohol testing program. 

• Participate in emergency response duties where applicable, to support critical incident management. 

• Contribute to the strategic objectives of the People & Safety department by aligning WHS and quality initiatives with broader organisational goals and workforce wellbeing.

• Lead and support the WHS Officer, providing guidance, oversight, and direction to ensure effective delivery of operational safety initiatives.

Quality Assurance Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain Council’s quality assurance system for contract works.

• Prepare project-specific plans, including those related to road construction and maintenance. 

• Ensure Council meets all contractual obligations related to quality assurance.

• Maintain accreditation of Council’s quality assurance system in accordance with relevant standards.

4. Key accountabilities – All employees

4.1 Workplace health and safety

All Queensland employees have a duty under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011. ^{(Section 28)}

While at work, therefore, all Quilpie Shire Council workers must:

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety. 

• Take reasonable care that their acts (actions) or omissions (failure to act) do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons.

• Comply, so far as the worker (employee) is reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction to allow compliance with the Act.

^{(Section 13 (2)(h) of the Local Government Act 2009 and Section 4 of the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994)}

All Queensland local government employees are responsible for observing the ethics principles of: 

• integrity and impartiality

• promoting the public good

• commitment to the system of government

• accountability and transparency.

Quilpie Shire Council’s Employee Code of Conduct has been developed in accordance with the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994. All employees are responsible for complying with their Council’s Code of Conduct. ^{Local Government Act 2009 Section 13 (2)(i)}

The Local Government Act 2009 also emphasises an employee’s responsibility to:

• carry out their duties impartially and with integrity. ^{(Section 13(2)(d))}

• ensure the employee’s personal conduct does not reflect adversely on the reputation of Council. ^{(Section 13(2)(e)}

4.3 Other local government responsibilities 

All Queensland local government employees have the following responsibilities ^{(Section 13)} broadly summarised under the following headings:

• Council plans, policies and decisions (advice and implementation)

• providing sound and impartial advice to Council. ^{(Section 13(2)(c))}

• implementing the policies and priorities of Council in a way that promotes:

  ^{(Section 13(2)(a))}

  • the effective, efficient and economical management of public resources

  • excellence in service delivery

  • continual improvement.

• carrying out duties in a way that ensures Council achieves its corporate plan.

   ^{(Section 13(2)(b)(iii))}

• Compliance 

  • carrying out duties in a way that ensures Council can fulfil its responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2009 and all laws applicable to local governments.

    ^{(Section 13(2)(b) (i), (ii))}

  • observing all laws relating to their employment. ^{(Section 13(2)(g))}

• Performance 

• continuing to improve all aspects of an employee’s work performance. ^{(Section 13(2)(f))}

• Local government principles

All Queensland local government employees, in performing their responsibilities must also do so in accordance with the local government principles (where within the control of the employee). ^{(Section 4 Local Government Act 2009)}

The principles are:

• transparent and effective processes, and decision-making in the public interest.

• sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure, and delivery of effective services.

• democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement.

• good governance of, and by, local government.

• ethical and legal behaviour of councillors, local government employees and councillor advisors.

5. Work environment and physical demands

This position is primarily an indoor role and requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and operating a computer and telephone. The employee will be required to engage with other sections of the organisation which may involve some physical tasks including manual handling, bending, kneeling, twisting, squatting and lifting.

The incumbent has an obligation to be familiar with and to ensure compliance with all Statutory Acts and Regulations as well as all Council Policies that have or will be introduced to protect the health and safety of Council’s employees, contractors and the general public.

6. Other responsibilities

This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the role. 

While this position description covers the key areas of responsibilities, day to day tasks and responsibilities may vary and be in addition to those listed above (reasonably within the limits of the employee’s skills, competence and training).

7. Sub-delegations and authorised person powers

According to the Chief Executive Officer’s approved register.