Safe workplaces named as finalists for Victorian WorkSafe Awards

The finalists of the Victorian 2017 WorkSafe Awards have been announced.

Twenty-three Victorian businesses, health and safety representatives and individuals have been listed for their outstanding contributions to making workplaces safer and helping injured employees return to work.

The finalists come from a wide range of industries including hospitality, retail, health care, local government, manufacturing, emergency services and education.

The finalists include AusNet Electricity for its three-way hybrid bracket which overcomes the risks associated with the maintenance of heavy high-voltage cables; Grill’d for its solutions to hazards associated with manual handling and chemical use during the cleaning of exhaust hoods; and Melbourne Water for its virtual reality in design, which helps to identify design defects and OHS risks when planning capital projects.

WorkSafe Chief Executive Clare Amies said each finalist has shown an ability to go above and beyond in helping to make Victorian workplaces safer or in returning to work after an injury.

“All of the finalists recognise the importance of prevention of injury and illness in the workplace, and they share an incredible passion for keeping workers safe and supporting injured workers return to work,” Amies said.

“WorkSafe is also so thrilled to see such steely determination in the finalists who have overcome an injury or obstacles and returned to safe work.”

Finance Minister Robin Scott congratulated all of the finalists for their outstanding contributions to workplace health and safety.

“It is both satisfying and reassuring to see such variety in the way Victorian businesses and workers are addressing health and safety issues,” Scott said.

“All the finalists should be commended for developing new initiatives, inventions and ways of working that reflect a real commitment to safer and happier workplaces.”

Winners will be announced at a special ceremony at the Crown Palladium on 19 October during Health and Safety Month.

To see the full list of finalists, click here.