WHS officers to assist in eliminating workplace violence in Queensland schools

The Queensland Government is implementing a renewed approach to Queensland's education system with the introduction of almost 140 Workplace Health and Safety Officers to confront workplace violence in classrooms and to streamline processes for teachers.

The Government states that officers will assist a limited number of schools through a cluster model, enabling them to collaborate directly with principals to recognise risks, formulate strategies, and execute measures that eliminate violence.

Teachers will be freed from cumbersome administrative responsibilities that interfere with teaching time, including safety assessments, hazard responses, and investigations of incidents.

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek remarked that the deployment of Workplace Health and Safety Officers would contribute to achieving the election pledge to cut red tape for teachers by 25 percent in the next four years.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering for our teachers and school staff because everyone deserves to work in a safe and supportive environment,” Minister Langbroek said. 

“These new Officers will help to restore safety in the classrooms, while giving teachers more time to focus on lifting literacy and numeracy results.”

Find out more here.