Strengthening safety culture across Brisbane workplaces: practical compliance and advisory strategies

Understanding the Queensland WHS framework

Effective workplace health and safety (WHS) practice in Queensland is built on a clear statutory framework: the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld), supported by the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) and jurisdictional codes of practice. These instruments establish primary duties for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), officers, workers and other duty holders. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (the regulator) enforces compliance, provides guidance materials and investigates incidents. Advisors operating in Brisbane must align recommendations with these specific Queensland requirements while reflecting national model WHS principles and recognised standards, such as ISO 45001 for safety management systems.

The advisory role: scope, skills and responsibilities

Workplace health and safety advisors act as practical translators of law into operational practice. They provide risk assessments, develop WHS policies and procedures, design training and competency frameworks, and support incident investigation and corrective action. Effective advisors combine technical knowledge of hazards with an understanding of legislative duties, organisational governance and human factors. They work with PCBUs and senior leaders to clarify accountabilities, assist officers to meet due diligence obligations and embed measurable controls that reduce risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Safety audits and continuous assurance

Safety audits are a cornerstone of an evidence-based assurance program. Audits can be internal, external or third‑party and should assess compliance with the WHS Act and Regulations, the effectiveness of controls, and the adequacy of management systems. A robust audit program includes planning with clear scope, objective criteria (for example, legislative requirements and the organisation’s own procedures), competent auditors, and a formal corrective action process with verification. Integrating audit findings into leadership reporting and management review drives continuous improvement and demonstrates due diligence to regulators.

Construction compliance: managing high risk work

The construction sector attracts specific regulatory scrutiny due to the prevalence of high-risk activities. In Queensland, construction projects often require a designated principal contractor responsible for coordinating WHS on site. Compliance obligations include preparing site-specific health and safety plans, ensuring Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are in place for high-risk construction work, managing plant and scaffolding safety, and controlling access and exclusion zones. Advisors support construction clients by developing compliance checklists, reviewing SWMS for adequacy, and arranging workplace inspections aligned with project stages.

Contractor selection and management

Contractors present distinct challenges: they may bring different safety cultures, variable competency levels and their own subcontracting chains. PCBUs must ensure that contractors are competent and that contractual arrangements clearly allocate WHS responsibilities. Practical controls include prequalification processes, verifying licences and certifications, documented induction and site-specific training, monitoring contractor performance through audits and toolbox talks, and maintaining records of competency and incidents. Advisors can design procurement templates and contractor management frameworks that satisfy both legal duties and commercial requirements.

Incident investigation and enforcement readiness

When incidents occur, a timely, methodical investigation is essential for legal compliance and prevention of recurrence. Investigations should identify root causes, causal pathways and latent system failures rather than focusing solely on worker error. Advisors help organisations develop investigation procedures that preserve evidence, meet statutory reporting timeframes and generate corrective measures with assigned owners and completion dates. Maintaining a documented investigation trail supports defensible positions during regulator engagement and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement.

Embedding a positive safety culture through advisory practice

Compliance alone does not create safety. Advisors play a strategic role in shifting culture from compliance tick-boxes to proactive risk management. This involves coaching leaders on visible leadership, establishing meaningful performance indicators (leading and lagging), promoting worker participation and consultation, and designing learning systems that share lessons from incidents and near-misses. A safety culture that combines personal accountability with systemic protections reduces reliance on individual vigilance and creates resilience across the organisation.

Practical steps for PCBUs and officers in Brisbane

To meet statutory obligations and strengthen safety outcomes, PCBUs and officers should: (1) clarify legal duties and ensure governance arrangements allocate responsibilities; (2) implement a proportionate safety management system aligned to ISO 45001 principles; (3) conduct regular audits and act on improvements; (4) manage contractors through rigorous prequalification, induction and monitoring; (5) ensure SWMS and site safety plans are current and enforced; and (6) invest in training, health surveillance and consultation mechanisms that engage workers. Engaging external expertise can accelerate capability building and provide objective assurance.

When to engage external WHS expertise

External advisors are valuable when organisations face complexity they cannot manage internally—major construction projects, sustained non‑conformances, significant incidents, or when preparing for regulator interaction. A consultant brings specialised skills in legal interpretation, audit methodologies, human factors, and remediation planning. For Brisbane organisations seeking local, experienced assistance, a qualified Brisbane WHS Consultant can provide tailored advisory, auditing and compliance services that align with Queensland regulatory expectations.

Conclusion: sustained compliance as a pathway to safer workplaces

Workplace health and safety advisors in Queensland industries bridge the gap between regulatory obligations and practical workplace controls. Through targeted audits, competent advisory work, focused construction compliance measures and rigorous contractor management, advisors help PCBUs and officers meet legal duties while building a proactive safety culture. Organisations that prioritise structured assurance, clear accountabilities and continuous learning are better placed to protect workers, reduce incidents and demonstrate strong governance to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.