WHS & worker safety in Queensland
Model WHS laws and state implementations covering primary duty of care, psychosocial hazards, silica exposure, incident notification, and industrial manslaughter regimes.
2
Qld-specific obligations
9
Federal obligations
Qld-specific
PCBU primary duty of care (QLD WHS Act s 19)
QLD PCBUs must ensure health and safety so far as reasonably practicable; industrial manslaughter live since 2017.
QLD coal mining safety obligations (Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999)
QLD coal mine operators must ensure acceptable level of risk under the Act.
Federal
Asbestos management — workplace + dwelling rules (state)
Asbestos work requires licensed asbestos removalist + asbestos management plan.
Manage psychosocial hazards at work
WHS duty extends to psychosocial hazards — workload, bullying, harassment, role conflict.
Comply with Heavy Vehicle Chain of Responsibility (CoR)
Every party in the heavy vehicle supply chain has a positive duty under HVNL.
Hold a Construction Induction (White Card) before construction site work
All construction site workers must have completed nationally recognised induction training (CPCWHS1001).
Comply with the respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure limit (0.05 mg/m³)
From 1 December 2026 the 0.05 mg/m³ silica standard becomes a legally binding workplace exposure limit (WEL).
Notify state regulator of serious incidents (childcare)
Approved ECEC services must notify state regulator of serious incidents within 24 hours / 7 days.
Maintain Hazardous Chemicals Register + manifest (WHS Reg)
PCBUs handling hazardous chemicals must maintain a register + (above threshold) a manifest.
Psychosocial Hazards Code of Practice (model + jurisdictional)
PCBUs must manage psychosocial risk under WHS Acts + state codes.
Hold a High Risk Work Licence for HRWL classes
Forklift, crane, scaffolding, dogging, rigging, EWP and other high-risk work requires a HRWL.