Workplace Health and Safety Advisor

The WHS Advisor is responsible for providing expert guidance, support, and coordination to ensure all engineering, operational and project sites comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD), the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA), and associated WHS Regulations and codes of practice, as applicable. This role focuses on driving a proactive safety culture, implementing WHS systems and processes, administering various levels of risk assessment for science and engineering processes, and partnering with project teams to eliminate hazards or minimise associated risks.

Reporting to: Managing Director, who is based in Townsville.

Employment arrangements: Permanent part-time, permanent full-time or fixed term arrangements will be considered.

Hours: Preferably 0.6 FTE, with flexibility depending on the suitability and availability of the successful candidate.

Location: Townsville is preferred. Candidates based in Adelaide or the Riverland region of South Australia will also be considered.

Travel: Occasional travel to and within northern and central Queensland, Adelaide and the Riverland region will be required, regardless of the role’s base location.

Roles and responsibilities

• Compliance and Systems Management
  • Develop, implement, maintain, monitor, and improve Neilly Group's Work Health and Safety Management System (WHSMS) in alignment with ISO 45001 standards.
  • Assist in obtaining ISO 45001 certification for the business.
  • Ensure all site activities comply with applicable Queensland and South Australian WorkSafe legislation, relevant Australian Standards, and industry-specific codes.
  • Interpret and apply legislative updates to operational procedures, communicating changes effectively to engineering and fabrication teams.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining WHS documentation to ensure ongoing compliance with legislative requirements.
• Risk Management and Hazard Identification
  • Facilitate and review risk assessments, including Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and Safety in Design reviews for engineering projects.
  • Conduct regular safety inspections and audits of field-based activities, construction sites, and plant/machinery to identify and control critical risks.
• Incident Investigation and Reporting
  • Lead investigations into workplace incidents, near-misses, and occupational health issues using recognised methodologies (e.g., ICAM).
  • Identify root causes and implement robust corrective and preventive actions to mitigate future risks.
  • Prepare safety performance reports, tracking key lead and lag indicators for the leadership team as required.
  • Manage notifications of notifiable incidents to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland or SafeWork SA, as applicable.
• Consultation and Safety Culture
  • Facilitate effective worker consultation, collaborating closely with elected Health and Safety Representatives (if relevant) and leading Health and Safety Committee meetings.
  • Deliver engaging safety inductions, toolbox talks, and targeted training programs tailored to science, engineering and other technical staff.
  • Act as a visible safety leader on-site.
• Injury Management and Return to Work (RTW)
  • Coordinate the Rehabilitation and Return to Work process for injured employees in accordance with QLD/SA workers' compensation guidelines.
  • Collaborate with medical professionals, insurers, and the leadership team to develop sustainable alternative and light-duty programs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Required:
  • Certificate IV or Diploma in Work Health and Safety (or higher).
  • 3+ years of experience working as a WHS professional within an engineering, heavy manufacturing, construction, mining, or civil infrastructure environment.
  • Strong, practical working knowledge of the Queensland Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and South Australian Work Health and Safety Act 2012, and associated regulations.
  • Current, valid Queensland or South Australia driver’s licence.
  • Construction Industry White Card.
• Highly Desirable:
  • Certified Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator (QLD or SA).
  • Formal training in incident investigation.
  • Experience or qualifications related to specific engineering risks (e.g., Working at Heights, Confined Spaces, High-Risk Work Licences).

Key Personal Attributes

• Written Communication: Strong written communication skills to support the development of a range of documentation, including preparatory material for ISO 45001 certification.
• Technical Communication: Ability to communicate complex regulatory and safety requirements in simple, practical terms.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical capabilities to find practical, compliant solutions to complex engineering, construction and logistical challenges.
• Influence: Proven ability to build trust and constructively challenge unsafe behaviours at all organisational levels.

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