NSW Safe Work Award winners announced

The winners of the 2006 WorkCover Safe Work Awards were announced last night as part of this year's Safe Work Week activities.

Graham West, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Commerce, presented the awards to the five category winners who beat more than 80 entrants to win their trophies.

Jon Blackwell, chief executive officer of WorkCover NSW, said that the entrants were put through a rigorous judging process with visits from WorkCover inspectors, and finalists and winners were selected by a judging panel chaired by Greg McCarthy, WorkCover Board chairperson.

"The entries demonstrated a high level of innovation and understanding in their practical approach to workplace safety solutions," NSW Minister for Commerce, John Della Dosca said.

"The entries submitted by the finalists cover a wide range of occupational health and safety issues, including manual handling, working at heights, personal protective equipment and safe work practices."

Best workplace health and safety management system:
Winner " William Carey Christian School, OHS management system
Highly commended " EMT JV
Highly commended " Hunter Region SLSA Helicopter Rescue Service

Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue:
Winner " JLG ProLift
Highly commended " Homelessness NSW.ACT

Best workplace health and safety practices in a small business:
Winner " Platinum Freight Management P/L

Public sector leadership award for injury prevention and management:
Winner " RailCorp Service Delivery Group

Best individual contribution to workplace health and safety:
Winners " Robert Petrovski, TNT Express, Mascot and Ron Christianson, Transport Workers Union

The awards were established in 2004 to promote and recognise high standards of occupational health and safety in workplaces.

Carmen Li, Safety Solutions journalist
19/10/2006