Finalists announced for 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards

Safe Work Australia Chair, Tom Phillips AM has announced the finalists for the 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards and commended them on their efforts in reducing workplace death, injury and disease in Australia.

36 finalists from a wide range of industries have been entered into this year’s awards, which are an acknowledgment of excellence in work health and safety at a government, organisational and individual level.

“The national Awards showcase the achievements of everyday Australians who have made a difference to work health and safety,” said Phillips.

The finalists are winners of their state, territory or the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission 2011 work health and safety awards and will now compete across four categories in the national Awards. Phillips is chairing the independent awards judging panel that reviews and determines the winners.

Winners will be announced at the 7th annual Safe Work Australia Awards ceremony in Canberra on Thursday 26 April 2012.

Below is the list of finalists:

Category 1 - Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System

Private sector:

• Schiavello Group (ACT)
• Inghams Enterprises (NSW)
• Energex (QLD)
• Bonney Group (TAS)
• Grocon Constructors (Vic) Pty Ltd (VIC)
• Decmil Australia (WA)

Public sector:

• The University of Adelaide (SA)
• Central Coast Council (TAS)
• Public Transport Authority (WA)
• Department of Defence – 16th Battalion (SRCC)

Category 2 - Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue

• State Transit Authority (NSW)
• The Australian Reinforcing Company (QLD)
• Adelaide Shores (SA)
• Sibelco Australia (TAS)
• CJM Attachments and Swan Hill Rural Council (VIC)
• Wellington Dam Alliance, comprising Leighton Contractors, Water Corporation of WA, Structual Systems, Entura (Hydro Tasmania) and Aecom (WA)
• Department of Defence, Army Aviation Systems Program Office (SRCC)

Category 3 - Best Workplace Health and Safety Practice/s in a Small Business

• Tech Innovations Australia (ACT)
• Production Automotive (NSW)
• River Logic (QLD)
• The Hub Fruit Bowl (SA)
• Briar Maritime Services (TAS)
• Independent Ezy Access (VIC)
• Leicon Notley (WA)

Category 4 - Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety

This award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional difference to health and safety.

An employee, such as a health and safety representative:

• Robert Meizer (ACT)
• Rodney McFarlane (QLD)
• Duncan ‘Dusty’ Hurst (SA)
• Leigh Jordan (TAS)
• John McDonnell (WA)
• Leading Seaman Natalie Irvine (SRCC)

An outstanding contribution by an OHS manager or a person with responsibility for OHS as part of their duties:

• Robert Farrell (ACT)
• Peter Rogers (NSW)
• Paresh Chawda (SA)
• Caroline Langley (TAS)
• Marg Howard (WA)
• Lieutenant Commander Andrew Rohrsheim (SRCC)