Promote workplace safety, wellbeing & return-to-work programs across a diverse & culturally rich organisation

Your current company

This respected regional organisation plays a vital role in supporting and strengthening communities across the Torres Strait. Much more than a local government employer, their work impacts the lives of residents through the essential services they provide, the infrastructure they maintain, and their commitment to cultural values and community wellbeing. This organisation is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace for its employees and the communities it serves.

Your new role

As the Safety & Wellbeing Officer, you will be responsible for promoting workplace safety and employee wellbeing across the organisation. Working closely with managers, supervisors and employees, you will provide expert WHS advice, support compliance with workplace health and safety legislation, and drive initiatives that foster a positive safety culture.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced WHS professional seeking a diverse role that combines safety management, rehabilitation and return-to-work coordination, training, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement activities across a unique operational environment.

Your responsibilities will include

- Implementing and maintaining the organisation's Workplace Health and Safety Management System, ensuring policies and procedures meet operational requirements.
- Providing practical WHS advice, guidance and training to managers, supervisors and employees.
- Investigating workplace incidents and recommending appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
- Conducting workplace inspections, audits and risk assessments to identify hazards and manage risks effectively.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of risk control measures and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Facilitating hazard identification and risk assessment activities with operational teams.




- Liaising with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and other relevant agencies to ensure best practice and legislative compliance.
- Managing workers' compensation claims and coordinating rehabilitation and return-to-work programs for injured employees.
- Providing case management support and engaging with internal and external stakeholders throughout rehabilitation processes.
- Maintaining accurate WHS records, risk registers and hazard reporting systems.
- Preparing monthly, quarterly and annual WHS reports for management and leadership teams.
- Supporting WHS budget monitoring and resource planning activities.
- Coordinating and delivering workplace safety training, education and awareness initiatives.

What you'll need to succeed To be successful in this role, you will bring demonstrated experience in workplace health and safety, along with a passion for fostering safe, healthy and supportive workplaces.

You will also possess

- Experience in workplace health and safety advisory, compliance and risk management activities.
- Sound knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety legislation, standards and industry best practices.
- Experience conducting workplace inspections, audits, incident investigations and risk assessments.
- Knowledge of workers' compensation processes, rehabilitation programs and return-to-work coordination.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, excellent communication, training and presentation skills.

What you'll get in return

- ASAP, start with a secure 2-year fixed-term contract.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
- Diverse role encompassing WHS, wellbeing, rehabilitation and organisational safety initiatives.
- Regular travel throughout the Torres Strait Islands and Cairns region.
- Supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Opportunity to influence and strengthen workplace safety culture across the organisation.

What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, or for more information, please contact Isabel Azcune at Hays on [07 4049 2901](tel:07 4049 2901) or email [email protected].

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you're exploring new opportunities, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

📌 Safety and Wellbeing Officer (Cairns)
🏢 Hays Human Resources
📍 Cairns