Manufacturing ISSC communique: March 2026

The Manufacturing Industry Sector Standing Committee (the Committee) met on Thursday, 26 March 2026.

Members discussed concerns relating to fuel shortages caused by the 2026 Middle East Conflict. Members noted the sectors’ dependence upon petrochemicals and discussed the possible safety and psychosocial impacts of major supply chain disruption on employers and workers.

Members discussed the transition in Queensland from workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants (WES) to workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants (WELs). Members noted that industry should be provided with sufficient guidance and resource materials to properly prepare for the transition to WELs.

Members noted their support for the work being undertaken by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, to investigate ways to improve health and safety representative (HSR) training including ways to make HSR training more relevant to an HSR’s workplace with practical implementation. Members agreed to identify relevant sector specific case studies that could be developed for HSR training.

Members considered the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on the manufacturing sector and discussed the impacts broadly from a work health and safety perspective. Members noted a need to continue to monitor developments to better understand both benefits and hazards generated by emerging AI technologies.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

ISSC secretariat | Email: oirboardsandcommittees@oir.qld.gov.au