Workplace Health & Safety Officer

We are looking for a Workplace Health and Safety Officer passionate about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our staff and guests.

This is a truly unique opportunity to combine your passion for conservation and wildlife with your expertise in developing and implementing effective health and safety programs.

Join an Iconic Brisbane Brand 

Proudly Australia’s first and largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is loved by the team, travellers and locals alike. We’re a passionate bunch and strongly united in our mission to protect and preserve wildlife. Every day our team members are focussed on inspiring action by giving our guests an unforgettable experience – from unique and up-close nature and wildlife encounters, to education and delivering amazing service. 

Ready, set…

The Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Officer at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing safety programs and policies to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, and visitors. The WHS Officer is a key role in our sanctuary, focusing on compliance and contemporary best practice. 

Reporting to the General Manager, the WHS Officer will provide leadership, direction, training, expertise, development, and implementation of Health & Safety management programs to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary’s team members, visitors, and suppliers.

The WHS Officer will also provide direction and support in managing compliance with all standards and government legislation, as it pertains to Workplace Health and safety.

Of course, it is crucial that the principles of privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times. 

Essential Criteria:

• Develop, review, and update WHS policies and procedures to meet Queensland and national regulations, ensuring they reflect current legal standards and industry best practices.
• Engage stakeholders for policy feedback and ensure policies are reviewed annually for compliance and relevance.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify workplace hazards and devise strategies to mitigate risks.
• Continuously evaluate and adjust risk management strategies and integrate these practices across departments. Promote a safety culture by providing comprehensive safety training to all employees and updating training materials to reflect current safety protocols and regulations.
• Investigate incidents to identify causes and implement corrective actions, ensuring compliance with Queensland WHS regulations and improving incident response protocols. 
• Stay updated on local and national regulations, liaising with authorities as needed, and ensuring staff are informed about compliance changes.
• Act as the primary contact for regulatory inquiries and inspections. 
• Develop, review, and regularly update emergency response plans, including regular drills and coordination with local emergency services.
• Ensure all employees are trained in emergency procedures.
• Conduct regular inspections and WH&S systems audits to ensure compliance, addressing safety issues collaboratively with departments.
• Regularly generate detailed safety reports, maintaining up-to-date records of incidents and safety documentation for management and audits.
• Analyse safety data to identify trends and improve safety measures. 
• Communicate safety findings and recommendations to stakeholders to enhance safety protocols.
• Prepare and submit WH&S audits for other departments as required. 

WorkCover:

• Work with the Financial Controller to report workplace incidents to WorkCover Queensland promptly and accurately. 
• Collaborate with the HR Manager on managing return-to-work duties and monitoring recovery plans to meet medical and WorkCover standards. Regularly review and analyse WorkCover claims data and safety incident reports to identify trends and financial improvement opportunities.
• Provide recommendations to the management team on strategies to minimise WorkCover liabilities and costs.

WHS Platform Implementation:

• Use your knowledge of WH&S systems, such as MiSafe, to set up and customise the platform for our specific safety needs, including all relevant safety documents, policies, and compliance records.
• Conduct training for staff on using the MiSafe platform to ensure they can effectively manage daily operations and compliance monitoring.

Operational Criteria: 

• Maintain and update WH&S systems to comply with legislative changes.
• Assist managers in implementing safety initiatives and develop comprehensive training programs on health and safety issues, maintaining a register of accidents and injuries, and analyse and report emerging risks.
• Provide consultancy to improve and maintain safe work practices and monitor WH&S compliance across the organization.
• Update and deliver safety induction training for new team members and contractors.
• Understand workplace PPE and Return-to-Work principles and strategies, and devise strategies to minimise WorkCover liabilities and premiums.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or Diploma/Cert IV in Work Health and Safety.
• Current First Aid Certification.
• Fire Safety Advisor Certification (desirable).
• Proven experience in a similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation.

Skills and Competencies:

• Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical, problem-solving, and numeracy skills.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills.
• Skilled in communication, including excellent presentation abilities.
• Proficient in collaboration across departments and building positive relationships with stakeholders such as employees, external contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Dedicated to providing exceptional internal customer service, addressing WHS needs efficiently.
• Extensive knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011, regulations, legislation, and codes of practice.
• Objective and discreet, with a strong ability to use logic, investigate incidents, and recommend preventative measures.
• Well-versed in hazard management principles, fire safety, and managing safety-related projects including budgeting and timeline adherence.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and able to develop and deliver training sessions.
• Maintains a positive 'Can Do' attitude with a growth mindset, focusing on continuous improvement and innovation in safety practices.

We always strive to be both friendly and helpful towards each other and our guests. We embrace our CATER Core Values (Communication, Accountability, Teamwork, Education & Respect) and use these to foster and promote our culture and behaviours.  

If this sounds like you and you would like to become a part of our wonderful team, then we would love to hear from you. 

Please apply at ***********@koala.net with a Cover Letter detailing why you are perfect for this role, aligning your skills and experience with our criteria and your updated Resume.

We thank you for reviewing this ad and putting your valuable time and energy into this application. 

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted.