WorkSafe Victoria Awards finalists

A record number of finalists for this year's WorkSafe Victoria Awards demonstrate the many different ways that health and safety is being addressed in the arts, construction, manufacturing, entertainment and recreation industries.

Announcing the 31 finalists chosen from a field of 160, WorkSafe's executive director, John Merritt said the calibre of this year's finalists indicated a heightened commitment to achieving better safety outcomes: "This year's finalists come from a diverse range of workplaces, ranging from Healesville Sanctuary to steel mills, factories, local government and hospitals.

"Small, medium, large and government organisations from metropolitan and regional Victoria are represented. They've shown initiative, problem solving and commitment to improved health and safety."

The large number of entries from health and safety representatives shows how their profile has risen in the past year and reaffirms the important role they play in maintaining workplace health and safety.

Of particular note this year is a new category which recognises Best Design for Workplace Safety. This new category acknowledges an innovative design of a building, structure or plant that removes or significantly reduces a workplace risk.

"It's impressive to see the level of commitment that many organisations are making to improve health and safety in their workplaces. Of course the easiest way to keep up to date is by attending a free Work Safe Week event," said Merritt.

The Award recipients will be announced at a gala dinner on Tuesday 23 October during Work Safe Week, which runs from 22-26 October.