Managing risks in stevedoring Code of Practice 2023

The Managing risks in stevedoring Code of Practice 2018 (Stevedoring Code 2018) commenced as an approved code of practice under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) on 31 March 2018. The code was due to expire on 31 March 2023.

There have been significant improvements in safety outcomes in the stevedoring industry in Queensland since the code commenced in March 2018. There has been a significant reduction in average serious workers’ compensation claims from an average of 57 serious claims per annum from 2003-04 to 2012-13, to 38 serious claims per annum from 2017-18 to 2021-22 in Queensland.

The Stevedoring Code 2018 is a national model code that was adopted in Queensland. As a national model code, the Stevedoring Code 2018 is subject to a national review process through Safe Work Australia (SWA). The national review of the Stevedoring Code is expected to commence in 2023.

To ensure safety standards are maintained in the Stevedoring industry, the Managing risks in stevedoring code of practice 2023 (PDF, 0.83 MB) was approved to commence on 31 March 2023. The Managing risks in stevedoring Code of Practice 2023 is a remake of the Managing risks in stevedoring Code 2018 without any changes to the content of the code.

The SWA review of the national model Stevedoring Code in 2023 will identify any amendments required to ensure the code remains current and operates effectively. Once a national review of the Stevedoring Code has been completed, adoption of any amendments made to the national model code will be considered in Queensland.