The Importance of a Compliant WHS Manual for Businesses in Queensland
- StaySafe Consulting
- May 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 4
What is a WHS Manual?
A WHS Manual, sometimes called a Health and Safety Manual, is a document that outlines how your business manages health and safety risks.
It typically includes your WHS policies, responsibilities, procedures for identifying hazards, managing risk, and handling incidents.
Under Queensland law, every PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) has a duty to manage risks — and a written manual is often the first thing auditors, principal contractors, or clients will ask for.
What Should Be Included in a WHS Manual in Queensland?
A high-quality WHS Manual should include the following key elements:
WHS Policy Statement: A brief statement of your company’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment.
Roles and Responsibilities: Clear definitions of who is responsible for safety — including managers, workers, and contractors.
Consultation and Communication Procedures: How you involve your team in safety decisions and ensure information is shared.
Risk Management Process: Steps for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures (aligned with ISO 31000).
Safe Work Procedures / SOPs: An overview of task-based safety procedures used in your business or project.
Incident Reporting and Investigation: Instructions on how to report, record, and respond to incidents and near misses.
Emergency Response Planning: Details on evacuation plans, fire safety, first aid, and communication in emergencies.
Training and Induction Requirements: How your workers are trained and how site inductions are recorded and managed.
Document Control: How safety records, forms, and registers are maintained, reviewed, and updated.
Why Is a WHS Manual Important for Brisbane and QLD Businesses?
A WHS Manual is crucial for several reasons:
✅ It proves compliance with the WHS Act 2011 (Qld).
✅ It’s often mandatory for construction tenders and audits.
✅ It helps reduce injuries and legal risks.
✅ It gives your team a structured, reliable safety system.
✅ It’s a key document for ISO certification and principal contractor pre-qualification.
These aspects are vital for maintaining safety standards and ensuring that your business operates smoothly.
What Happens if You Don’t Have One?
Without a WHS Manual, your business may struggle to:
Win government or Tier 1 contracts.
Meet safety audit requirements.
Prove due diligence if an incident occurs.
Ensure all workers are following the same safety procedures.
In short — no WHS Manual equals no control + increased risk.
How to Get a WHS Manual for Your QLD Business
You can build one from scratch or save hours and ensure compliance by using a WHS Manual Template created by experienced WHS consultants.
At StaySafe Consultants, we offer an editable QLD-compliant WHS Manual Template used by contractors, builders, and businesses across the state. It’s trusted for tenders, audits, and new project setups — and it’s ready to go in Word format.
Related WHS Templates You Might Need
Need Help Building Your WHS Manual?
StaySafe Consultants provides WHS documentation, audits, and safety system support across Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, and beyond.
We’ll help you choose the right templates or build a customized WHS Manual tailored to your business.
✅ Fully compliant with QLD legislation
✅ Trusted by construction, trades, logistics, and government suppliers
✅ Instant downloads and consulting support available
