05:35 pm, Thursday 25 April, 2013

WorkSafe Victoria is calling on all people and organisations who are dedicated in making a positive difference in workplaces to enter this year’s WorkSafe Awards.

The awards, which recognise safety ideas and innovations, groups and businesses who have demonstrated excellence in workplace safety and in the return to work field will have twelve categories this year.

Health and Safety:

• Best solution to a specific workplace health and safety issue
• Excellence in health and safety management
• Health and safety committee of the year
• Health and safety representative of the year
• Health and safety invention of the year
• OHS management system of the year

Return to Work

• Employer excellence in return to work
• Occupational Rehabilitation Consultant achievement
• Return to Work Coordinator excellence
• Treating health practitioner achievement
• Worker return to work achievement

Health and Wellbeing

• Commitment to workplace health and wellbeing

WorkSafe Chief Executive Denise Cosgrove said the awards honoured individuals and organisations that have contributed to making workplaces safe.

“There are many individuals and businesses across the state doing fantastic work to create healthier and safer workplaces,” said Ms Cosgrove. “But too often their efforts go unrewarded.

“We want to honour their achievements and acknowledge the tremendous role they are playing in making Victoria the safest state in which to work.”

Ms Cosgrove added that the awards which received 286 entries in 2012 also provided businesses an opportunity to showcase their great ideas and initiatives to the wider community.

“All entries are promoted via the awards website and we encourage anyone to enter. No matter what you workplace improvement is, it all makes a difference.”

“Last year we received a record number of entries which highlights the increasing role safety, health and wellbeing and return to work are playing in Victorian workplaces.”

Entries close on July 12. Finalists will be announced in September and winners will be honoured during Work Safe Week in October.

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03:44 pm, Tuesday 10 July, 2012

WorkSafe Victoria has given Champion status to a veteran surgeon who educates peers on mainstream workplaces, a major dairy company and a Melbourne council.

They are part of the first round of Champions which are chosen three times every year. Their efforts are recognised as part of the 2012 WorkSafe Awards process. They are being acknowledged for their commitment to safety, health and wellbeing and return to work for those who’ve been hurt at work.

The three champions, covering safety, health and wellbeing and return to work are:

• Edward Schutz established the “Occupational Medicine Bridging Course for Surgeons” in 2007 through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The workplace visit component of the course provides the opportunity for surgeons to literally step outside their world and experience the totally different world of industry. Surgeons see the range of work performed, hear workers’ stories of their return to work, and see the interaction between workers and management to proactively assist workers, management and insurers in the return to work process.
• Parmalat’s Rowville site has introduced a Health Education program and a Healthy Wednesday, once per month, with baked potatoes, casseroles and salad platters replacing unhealthy foods. This has seen a reduction in fried food consumption by up to 50 percent in their staff canteen. Other initiatives include offering advice and ongoing programs on health and wellbeing including quitting smoking and dealing with depression. Workers also take part in a stretching session before work.
• Glen Eira City Council’s health and safety committee has been instrumental in raising awareness of the importance of health and safety at work, with initiatives that include Safety Week for staff and promoting good news stories about safety on the organisation’s intranet. Other initiatives include input into safety improvements of plant and equipment and a review of driver comfort in fleet vehicles.

The three Champions will receive a certificate and a ‘badge’ to add to their email signature. A professional film about their entry will also be made.

WorkSafe Awards received numerous entries from almost 200 businesses and individuals – the largest number of submissions in the Awards’ history.

Businesses and individuals can still enter one or more of the 11 categories.  The Awards will be open until 27 July.

WorkSafe’s Ross Pilkington said those who enter the Awards contribute to stressing the importance of health and safety and return to work at the forefront of people’s mind.

“No matter how big or small the initiative, if it’s making a difference to health and safety in the workplace, we want to hear from you,” said Mr Pilkington.

“We come across many first time entries who thought they’d ‘give it a go’ after hearing about it, and ended up winning.”

“The WorkSafe Awards not only acknowledge the great work many people are doing in health and safety, but it also provides an opportunity to showcase and share great initiatives and solutions with other businesses.”

To join the Awards via online application, visit the WorkSafe Awards website.

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