7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards winners announced

The winners of the 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards were announced at a ceremony held at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday 26 April 2012.

Hosted by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Bill Shorten, the awards celebrate outstanding achievement in work health and safety by individuals and organisations from both the private and public sectors.

“The individuals and organisations recognised in the 7th annual awards are an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication,” Shorten said.

“Last night’s award recipients demonstrate no matter how large or small your organisation, initiatives can be implemented to achieve the goal of all Australians coming home safely from work each and every day.”

Work-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities have a huge impact on Australian society. Tragically, 216 people died from injuries incurred while working in 2009-2010. “While we can put a monetary figure to the cost of work-related injury, illness and disease of more than $60 billion each year, the human, social and emotional costs to family, friends and workplaces are simply immeasurable,” Shorten said.

“Later this year, the government will launch the new Australian Work Health and Safety Strategy 2012-2022. Together with the harmonised work health and safety laws, the strategy will provide the framework for work health and safety reform over the next decade.”

Finalists in each of the four awards categories were winners in the state, territory or Comcare awards. An independent awards judging panel considered each submission before deciding on the final winners.

Below is the list of award winners.

Category 1a - Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System - Private Sector

Winner: Grocon Constructors, Victoria
Highly commended: Decmil Australia, Western Australia

Category 1b - Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System - Public Sector

Winner: Energex, Queensland
Highly commended: Public Transport Authority of Western Australia

Category 2 - Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue

Winner: The Australian Reinforcing Company, Queensland
Highly commended: Wellington Dam Alliance, Western Australia

Category 3 - Best Workplace Health and Safety Practices in a Small Business

Winner: The Hub Fruit Bowl, South Australia
Highly commended: Briar Maritime Services, Tasmania

Category 4a - Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety- by an employee

Leading Seaman Natalie Irvine, Royal Australian Navy (SRCC)

Category 4b - Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety - by an OHS manager

Peter Rogers, Jeff Hort Engineering, New South Wales