Free safety workshops for Queensland electrical companies

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) and Master Electricians Australia (MEA) are inviting small electrical companies and sole traders working in the construction industry to register their interest in a new health and safety program.

WHSQ advisers and MEA Safety and Operations Coordinators will work with participating businesses to identify and implement systems to improve safety, as well as potentially improving productivity, reliability and professional reputation.

The first stage is a free workshop on how to develop a basic safety management system. It will cover risk management, safe work method statements, hazardous manual tasks and consultation. Participants will identify areas of health and safety they need to work on and will leave with a simple action plan for their business.

Following the workshop, WHSQ advisers can meet with each business or visit a worksite to help address issues in the action plan. Additional services such as one-on-one support or group coaching sessions will be offered according to business needs.

Businesses don’t have to be an MEA member to take part in the program - it will be available to all electrical contractors at the following locations:

• Bundaberg - 3 September (1 pm - 5 pm)
• Townsville - 14 October (1 pm - 5 pm)
• Gold Coast - 14 October (1 pm - 5 pm)
• Sunshine Coast - 21 October (2 pm - 6 pm)
• Rockhampton - 23 October (1 pm - 5 pm)

It should be noted however that the program is best suited to small electrical businesses with little or no safety systems in place.

Register online or call MEA on 1300 889 198 or WHSQ on 1300 369 915 or email safesmallbusiness@justice.qld.gov.au.