WHS Advisor

CBC Staff; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CBC Staff is assisting a Cairns-based client seeking an experienced WHS Advisor to lead safety, compliance and wellbeing across the organisation. Reporting to the HR Manager, the role focuses on WHS policy development, incident investigation, workers’ compensation and return-to-work programs, with travel to remote locations as needed.

Strong communication and analytical skills are essential to build a positive safety culture.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Work Health and Safety or a minimum of five years’ WHS experience.
• Strong working knowledge of WHS legislation, codes of practice, and risk management.
• Experience managing Workers’ Compensation and return-to-work programs.
• Ability to translate WHS requirements into practical policies and workplace solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient in WHS management systems and MS Office.
• Ability to obtain a National Police Check and Working with Vulnerable People clearance.
• Willingness to travel to remote locations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and review WHS policies, procedures and management systems to maintain compliance.
• Provide clear, practical WHS advice to leaders and employees to promote safe work practices.
• Support incident investigations, inspections and risk assessments with corrective actions.
• Monitor WHS performance and prepare reports for senior leadership.
• Develop and deliver WHS training and awareness initiatives.
• Coordinate safety, wellbeing and injury-prevention initiatives with stakeholders.
• Coordinate the Health and Safety Committee activities and communications.

Skills

WHS knowledge

Incident investigation

Policy development

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Report writing

Education

WHS qualification

Certificate IV in Personal Injury Management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Shape positive safety outcomes through WHS leadership, compliance, injury management and employee wellbeing

Our Client:

Our client is a well-established organisation with a strong sense of purpose, working alongside businesses, individuals and community groups to create opportunities that lead to lasting change. Through practical support, capability building and employment initiatives, they help strengthen communities and improve outcomes across regional and remote Queensland.

The Opportunity:

An opportunity is available for an experienced WHS Advisor to support workplace health, safety and wellbeing across the organisation. Reporting to the HR Manager, this Cairns-based role will provide practical advice and support to leaders and employees while overseeing WHS compliance, incident management, Workers’ Compensation claims and return-to-work programs. Working across a diverse workforce, you will play a key role in ensuring people go home safe each day while helping to strengthen systems, processes and a positive safety culture.

Key duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop, implement and regularly review WHS policies, procedures and management systems to maintain compliance with current legislation, codes of practice, contractual requirements and recognised industry standards.
• Provide clear, practical and responsive WHS advice to leaders and employees, supporting informed decision-making and encouraging consistent application of safe work practices across the organisation.
• Support incident investigations, workplace inspections and risk assessments, identifying contributing factors and recommending practical corrective and preventative actions.
• Monitor organisational compliance, WHS performance and emerging trends, preparing accurate reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Develop and deliver engaging WHS training and awareness initiatives that meet legislative requirements and strengthen employee understanding of workplace safety responsibilities.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to develop safety, wellbeing and injury-prevention initiatives that promote a positive, healthy and inclusive working environment.
• Coordinate the Health and Safety Committee, including meeting preparation, administration, ongoing communication and liaison with committee members and Health and Safety Representatives.

Your Skills & Experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in Work Health and Safety or a related discipline, or a minimum of five years’ relevant WHS experience.
• Strong working knowledge of WHS legislation, codes of practice, risk management principles and incident investigation processes.
• Demonstrated experience managing Workers’ Compensation claims, injury management and return-to-work programs.
• The ability to confidently interpret WHS requirements and translate them into practical policies, procedures and workplace solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Well-developed analytical, problem-solving and report-writing capabilities, supported by strong attention to detail.
• Experience using WHS management systems and proficiency across the Microsoft Office suite.
• The ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a National Police Check and, where required, a Working with Vulnerable People clearance.
• The flexibility to undertake occasional travel to remote locations.
• A Certificate IV in Personal Injury Management or Return to Work Coordination will be highly regarded.

The Offer:

This is an opportunity to join a well-established organisation where your work will have a genuine impact on employee safety, wellbeing and workplace outcomes.

The successful candidate will enjoy:

• A permanent Cairns-based role with the opportunity to influence safety practices across the organisation.
• A varied position spanning WHS, Workers’ Compensation, injury management and employee wellbeing.
• The chance to identify improvements and contribute to the ongoing development of safety systems, programs and initiatives.
• Strong collaboration with leaders, HR and operational teams across the business.
• The opportunity to be part of an organisation that values inclusion, supports its people and makes a positive contribution to the communities it serves.

This is a full-time, ongoing position based in Cairns, working Monday to Friday. Applicants must be able to work from Cairns and have the legal right to work in Australia in a manner that allows them to meet the ongoing requirements of the position. Employer sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants who are relocating to Cairns should outline their proposed relocation and commencement timeframe in their application.

Job Reference: 1750040/VS