Health and Community Services ISSC communique: June 2025
The Health and Community Services Industry Sector Standing Committee (the Committee) met on Thursday, 20 March 2025.
A key focus of the meeting was a presentation on slips, trips and falls at level, particularly in the Health and Community Services sector, from the Work Health Design Unit, Office of Industrial Relations (OIR).
Key insights included:
- Under reporting is a concern, making current statistics conservative.
- Attitudinal barriers contribute to poor risk management.
- A structured approach is needed to mitigate risks that consider workplace conditions and job demands.
- WHSQ awareness campaigns have proven effective but require sustained effort.
The Committee discussed the complexity of addressing slips and trips in environments outside direct employer control, such as client homes.
The WHS Board and the Committee continue to focus on the rising issue of occupational violence and sexual harassment in workplaces. Members discussed the implementation in Queensland Health of the Ambassador Program—a new role aimed at reducing occupational violence in healthcare settings. The Committee noted the Ambassador Program as an innovative way to combat occupational violence.
The Committee noted support for member sharing of OIR campaigns to increase reach of safety messaging, and the identification of sector relevant case studies for HSR training.
Members considered reports by OIR including:
- Policy and legislative updates
- Heat stress initiatives update
- Strategic Communications update
- Injury Prevention and Management Program (IPaM) Services Paper
Members agreed to assist OIR promote the IPaM Program as it was considered beneficial for small and medium businesses.
The proof-of-concept data dashboard report was reviewed, with members encouraged to provide feedback to inform further development.
The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Thursday, 12 June 2025.
ISSC secretariat | Email: oirboardsandcommittees@oir.qld.gov.au