WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY ADVISOR

Ports North is responsible for the development and management of port facilities vital to the economic growth of Cairns and regional centres in Far North Queensland.  The Corporation has extensive property, marina, tourism and cargo facilities in Cairns and its regional ports. 

 An excellent opportunity exists for a dedicated and proactive individual with demonstrated integrity, professionalism and genuine concern for the well-being of others while striving for continuous improvement in health & safety performance.

 You will play a critical role in ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all employees within the organization. Main responsibilities will include:

 Develop, implement and manage strategies and procedures to deliver effective WHS compliance in support of Ports North’s statutory obligations and requirements.

• Lead incident and hazard investigations and produce reports and recommendations as required. 
• Conduct site WHS audits and inspections to ensure compliance and identify any hazards and unsafe or unsatisfactory workplace health and safety conditions and practices, undertake the evaluation of the use of safety equipment and chemicals and develop and implement emergency procedures.
• Assist Ports North staff with reporting, investigating and improvement strategies for incidents/hazards and near misses. 
• Understand the operational priorities of Ports North and provide reliable WHS advice to support these priorities, including but not limited to the prevention of accidents, hazard identification and control, promotion of health and safety, environmental and risk issues as they relate to staff, and members of the public and contractors.
• Educate and influence stakeholders to support implementation of WHS strategies and practices and improve WHS maturity and culture.  
• Monitor and analyse incident and hazard data to identify trends and emerging risks. 
• Manage WHS reporting requirements ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and policies.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, providing appropriate support with relevant WHS policies, standard, procedures and legislation. 
• Develop, revise and maintain effective communication links with the Workplace Health and Safety Committee by providing regular reports and feedback on activities including prevention of accidents, promotion of health and safety, risk issues and emergency procedures.
• Ensure appropriate WHS training programs, workshops, education and presentations are provided to the organisation to build and maintain capability and awareness of WHS obligations and responsibilities. 
• Manage WHS training compliance, including development and management of a WHS training and competence management procedure. 
• Attend the Safety Committee meetings and provide input as required. 
• Participate in the ongoing education, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of WHS initiatives relevant to legislative requirements. 
• Ensure all policies and procedures are compliant with the law, in place, understood and implemented to support the health, safety and wellbeing of all employees.

The position requires sound knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice and other standards pertaining to health and safety.  Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess risks, investigate incidents and develop practical solutions together with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and proven ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Tertiary qualifications in Workplace Health and Safety or a relevant discipline is highly desirable, as well as a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment.

Applications close 31 March 2025 and can be sent to recruitment@portsnorth.com.au