The School
Brisbane Grammar School is a non-denominational boys’ school of about 2000 students (Years 5 to12) overlooking the Brisbane CBD. The School maintains a 150-year strong tradition of academic excellence, extensive cocurricular activities and student wellbeing programs. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated and professional staff who provide an exceptional learning environment responsive to the needs of our students.
Our Community
At Brisbane Grammar School, we take pride in our dedicated and professional staff, who are part of the School's achievements. The School values professionalism and fosters a dynamic culture of innovation and collaboration. The School supports creativity within a supportive environment where teamwork is encouraged both within and across disciplines.
Job Description
About the Role
This is a part-time opportunity. The successful candidate has the option to work either 0.8FTE Term Time only or 0.6FTE Year-round.
Purpose
The Workplace Health and Safety Advisor is critical in ensuring the safety, health, and wellbeing of BGS staff. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring safety programs and procedures to prevent incidents, injuries, and hazards. The Advisor will collaborate with various departments to identify potential risks, provide training sessions, and promote a safety culture throughout the workplace.
Key Responsibilities Workplace Health and Safety Management
Implementing the action plan of the WHS strategy and fostering a culture of safety.
Implement workplace health and safety management systems programs and evaluate policies and procedures.
Ensure all laws and rules about health and safety are followed.
Create, implement, and evaluate the School's WH&S management system. Ensure that all WHS systems are up to date and undergo routine reviews.
Safety Culture
Monitor, evaluate, and suggest corrective action for workplace hazards.
Oversee safety inspections and audits.
Offer assistance to every employee, guarantee they are well-informed about WH&S matters, and help employees identify any safety concerns.
Work with the facility manager regarding site safety protocols and protocols, especially when the School's master plan is being built or renovated.
Provide staff with regular updates on WH&S and compliance data.
Create awareness of ergonomics, manual handling, and how to prevent trips, falls, and slips.
Develop, coordinate or deliver health and safety training programs for employees and contractors.
Promote a culture of safety awareness and compliance.
Keep employees informed about safety policies and procedures.
Communication
Provide the Senior Leadership Team with regular updates on the state of WH&S, along with recommendations that will ensure the School continues to be a safe place to work strategically and operationally.
Inspections and Audits
As needed, organise, plan and carry out routine safety inspections of every section of the School.
Organise internal safety audits by taking a school tour.
Develop an audit calendar.
Incident reporting and management
Notify the Executive Director of People & Culture of any incidents involving WH&S that are reportable.
Responsible for the Return-to-Work program
Oversee the examination of claims, accidents, and complicated incidents.
Record keeping and documentation
Review and oversee the Incident Reporting System to keep the proper WH&S records current.
Assist the Facility Manager in keeping track of the contractors' and consultants' site orientation.
Ensure the required SOPs are developed and maintained.
Support staff in implementing the SOP's.
Manage the incident reports
Support
Communicate with different employees in departments in charge of materials and equipment to ensure that they are kept in good condition and are safe to use.
Assist the Cleaning Manager and the cleaners in ensuring chemicals are disposed of and stored safely.
Assist all areas that utilise chemicals to maintain an updated chemical register and current safety. All chemicals on site have data sheets kept on file and are easily accessible.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Identify potential safety risks and hazards in the workplace.
Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and action plans.
Investigate accidents, near misses, and incidents and recommend preventive measures. Put the recommended corrective actions into action.
Emergency Response and Preparedness
In charge of emergency evacuation plans and making sure that protocols are followed
In charge of reviewing, creating, and carrying out the Critical Incidents Plan (CIP) and Emergency Evacuation Plan (EMP)
Examine and refine emergency response and critical incident management procedures, including drills.
Perform drills and exercises to ensure preparedness.
Ensure drills and exercises are planned and executed
Work with the Fire Safety Officers and Warden to ensure compliance with Fire Safety.
Support and educated staff regarding risk assessments
Staff Wellbeing
Serve as a point of contact for staff seeking guidance or assistance related to their wellbeing. Offer confidential support, counselling referrals, and resources to address personal and professional challenges.
In consultation with the Executive Director, People and Culture conducts regular assessments and surveys to measure the effectiveness of wellbeing programs and identify areas for improvement.
Inform and use data analysis to inform decision-making and program development.
Work with the Executive Director People and Culture to develop marketing and communication strategies to raise awareness of wellbeing initiatives and encourage participation among staff.
Utilise the prescribed communication platforms to disseminate information about staff wellbeing to staff.
Return to Work Coordinator
Asists injured workers to remain at or return to work as soon as safely possible after injury.
Ensuring return to work obligations under the Queensland Legislation.
Desired Skills and Experience
Key Competencies
• WHS framework development and implementation
• Management of risk
• Communication skills
• Change management
• Attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Initiative and proactivity
• Coordination with SLT, Middle Leaders and Staff
• Problem solving and decision-making skills
• Time management
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health, environmental science, or related field advantages
• Demonstrated experience in safety management
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Access to salary packaging options for eligible staff
Opportunities for professional development and learning opportunities
Access to rewards and benefits via external providers
Additional insurance benefits through our Corporate Superannuation Plan for eligible staff
Discounted school fees for eligible staff
State-of-the-art facilities and technology innovation
Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Active Staff Social Club including weekly morning teas, and special events
14 weeks paid parental leave for eligible staff
Wellbeing Strategy
Annual free flu vaccinations
Application Process
Brisbane Grammar School recognises the value of diverse thinking and we encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. To better understand what it means to join BGS, please review the information on our website and social media accounts before submitting your application. You should also familiarise yourself with our key policies and procedures available on the School website, which may assist you during the recruitment process.
Our organisation is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants to undergo a screening process prior to appointment, and all applicants are to hold a valid Blue Card or QCT Registration before commencement. Candidates must disclose any information relevant to their eligibility to engage in activities involving children.
BGS reserves the right to remove job advertisements earlier than the closing date due to business requirements.
BGS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. Our recruitment process is designed to be inclusive and accessible. If you require adjustments at any stage, please let us know — we’re here to support you.
