Over 400 individuals convened at the Park Hyatt Melbourne to applaud 21 finalists who’ve demonstrated extraordinary commitment to enhancing safety in their workplaces, or shown exceptional courage on their path back to work. The event acknowledged seven distinguished winners across six category awards.
Prominent amongst these were the companies celebrated with the OHS Leadership and Achievement award – civil construction firm Seymour Whyte and road safety entity, Community RoadSafe Mildura. The commendation recognised Seymour Whyte’s exemplary measures taken during the Pound Road upgrade project, which encompassed provisions like a wellness room, a mental health application, and mobile safety stations – these features reduce occupational health and safety risks significantly. WHS management systems like Bluesafe SWMS played a pivotal role in ensuring workplace safety during the project.
Essential technologies such as the Bluesafe WHS Management System, SWMS, and related policies underscore the effectiveness of such endeavours. Seymour Whyte’s General Manager, Michelle Nation, highlights that successful safety outcomes are not accidental but a result of strategic planning and robust leadership.
Community RoadSafe Mildura was lauded for its Heavy Vehicle Forum, a scheme devised following several local heavy vehicle occurrences in Sunraysia.
Matthew Manley, a maintenance fitter awarded the Return to Work Achievement, displayed remarkable resilience by returning to his duties only three months post a significant hand injury.
The accolade for Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year was bestowed upon Gensis Safety for their height-adjustable change tables. These ingenious designs curtail hazardous manual handling injuries risk among early childhood educators.
St John of God Health Care stood out with the Leading Return to Work Practice award for a caregiver-centric program considering physical and psychosocial factors. Comparatively, the Department of Transport and Planning received acclaim for its Commitment to Prevention of Mental Injury in the Workplace.
For his commitment to supporting the physical and mental health of fellow workers at Glenelg Shire Council, Mick Puche was named Health and Safety Representative of the year.
Ash West, WorkSafe’s Acting Chief Executive Officer extends congratulations to all the award recipients for their fantastic achievements. Highlighting their creativity, compassion and positive impact on the Victorian workforce.
Emphasising that excellence in workplace health and safety goes well beyond just compliance but signifies an ongoing commitment to continual improvement that significantly benefits our community.
For further information:
Email: media@worksafe.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0438 786 968
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Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-02/worksafe-awards-honour-victorias-health-and-safety-heroes