Workplaces and individuals from across Australia have been honoured tonight at the 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards for their outstanding contributions to work health and safety.
37 finalists from across Australia gathered at Parliament House in Canberra where their commitment to making workplaces across our nation safer was recognised.
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,” Mr Shorten said.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists.
“On behalf of the Australian Government, I would like to thank you for contributing to the health and safety of all Australian workers.
“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.”
The Safe Work Australia Awards showcase the best in workplace safety solutions, innovations and systems across our nation. While some solutions are complex and have taken years to develop, others show us that safety improvements are achievable by making the smallest of changes.
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,” Mr Shorten said.
“Improving work health and safety is a top priority of the Australian Government.
“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.
For more information on the finalists, Awards or becoming involved with Safe Work Australia Week visit www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au.
Attachment 1
7th ANNUAL SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA AWARDS WINNERS
Category 1a - Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System – Private Sector
Grocon Constructors (VIC)
Highly commended: Decmil Australia (WA)
Category 1b - Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System – Public Sector
Energex (QLD)
Highly commended: Public Transport Authority (WA)
Category 2 - Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue
The Australian Reinforcing Company (QLD)
Highly commended: Wellington Dam Alliance (WA)
Category 3 - Best Workplace Health and Safety Practices in a Small Business
The Hub Fruit Bowl (SA)
Highly commended: Briar Maritime Services (TAS)
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 (NSW)
Safe Work Australia media enquiries 0434 664 294
Minister Shorten media enquiries 0421 589 012
