Rugby league star Shane Webcke discusses the importance of workplace safety at the Institute of Quarrying Australia’s (IQA) health and safety conference.
While Shane Webcke is known for his illustrious career with the Brisbane Broncos and as a famed State of Origin representative for Queensland, his keynote speech at the IQA’s Queensland Health and Safety Conference struck a very different message.
When he was 18, Webcke lost his father tragically to a workplace accident, which has shaped his personal and professional life ever since.
“My perspective lets people see what happens when it all goes wrong, what that means for them, and what it means for the people around them. I can tell you that families get ripped apart by this and never go back together, because that’s been our experience,” he told Quarry.
“The thing about losing my dad in a workplace accident, with the way that it happened, is how utterly soul-destroying that is. It happened when I was 18 years old and has profoundly affected my life.
“By doing these talks, it means that my dad’s life meant something in a greater sense; he lives on through these talks.
“It is a legacy that he couldn’t have imagined and the story I tell about him, even if I have helped save one life, that’s enough.”
Webcke works in the agriculture sector these days, operating his own farm, but he said the industries share similar considerations in regards to the need to be vigilant in the workplace.
“For these occupations, there is only so much engineering you can do to engineer the danger out of it; the rest has got to come back to the people,” he said.
“What really keeps people safe at the end of the day is people, because people follow people, not pieces of paper. The pieces of paper are important, but you also need to engage people, so they understand what safety is really about. A lot goes into workplace safety, but the main thing is the employees and the way they think and how they can take personal responsibility to keep themselves and their workmates safe.”
The health and safety conferences are an annual staple of the IQA’s calendar of events. This year has seen three showcases around the country (with the NSW event to be held in late July).
IQA members and non-members come together to understand the latest information, trends, and patterns in workplace safety.
Webcke has shared his workplace safety message for more than two decades.
During that time, he presented at private events and conferences around Australia. He shared that these events still maintain an important professional relevance for all workers.
“These events are incredibly important. You get to hear different perspectives and to hear something you haven’t heard before, which is important,” he said.
“I often get older workers as well as younger workers coming up to me and saying ‘you made me think about this differently’ and that they really learnt something from it.
“It also interrupts complacency because when it comes to safety, it is never over.
“If you do a dangerous job, every day, you need to commit to safety and to being safe at work.
“Safety is a decision. It is important to look out for your mates, everyone understands that, but you also need to look out for yourself. When you get yourself right, you’re in a position to help others and be a leader in safety.”
NSW takes centre stage
The NSW Health and Safety Conference will include several interesting sessions and speeches from key industry stakeholders. Attendees can learn from the NSW Resources Regulator, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Holding Redlich about issues ranging from regulation to enforceable undertaking and psychosocial risks and hazards.
Quarrying professionals will also provide key insights into the sector, including operator responsibilities, design and planning, hazard management planning, quarry management, and career journeys in quarrying.
Institute of Quarrying chief executive officer Jane Schmitt will open the event alongside IQA NSW Hunter branch chairperson Greg Dressler to welcome attendees for the opening address.
The NSW conference will be held on July 31, 2025, at Rydges Resort in the Hunter Valley. Prior to the conference, a networking event will be held on July 30 from 6.30pm at Rydges Resort.
Registration for the event closes on July 11, with tickets available for the conference and networking event. •
For more information, visit quarry.com.au
