Law and justice in the workplace
All workers have the right to be treated fairly, paid the proper wage and work in a safe and healthy environment.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) administers laws and also provides assistance to Queensland workplaces to ensure they are safe and healthy and that workers return home to their loved ones each day.
Certain workers require licences in order to use equipment legally and safely, such as forklift operation, scaffolding, and for crane and hoist operation.
If you have a question about your safety rights and responsibilities, or you would like to report an incident, or obtain more information about licences, visit the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website, or call the WHS Infoline on 1300 369 915.
Doing electrical work without a licence is illegal in Queensland, and the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) outlines the requirements for electrical workers and contractors.
If you have a question about electrical safety or would like more information visit the ESO website or phone the Electrical Safety Infoline on 1300 650 662.
The Queensland Government has referred the state's industrial relations powers for the private sector to the Commonwealth Government. All employers and employees (with the exception of state and local government and child employment) will be covered by the national industrial relations system administered by the Commonwealth Government.
Enquiries on awards, entitlements and industrial matters should be directed to the Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94 and Fair Work Australia.
Child employment in Queensland is governed by the Child Employment Act 2006 (PDF File, 436KB) and the Child Employment Regulation 2006 (PDF File, 389KB).
These laws:
- protect school-aged children from performing work that may be harmful to their health and safety, or that compromises their mental, moral or social welfare
- limit the hours of work for school-aged children to ensure that their studies aren't adversely affected by employment.
The Young Workers Advisory Service (YWAS) is a state-wide safety-net Queensland government funded community organisation that provides information, advocacy, referrals and advice to young workers (25 and under) in Queensland about employment/industrial relations concerns.
Date created: 2010-03-19; Last published: 11 April 2011; Last updated: 7 March 2012
