ACT seeks nominations

ACT WorkCover is seeking nominations for its 17th annual Occupational Health and Safety Awards, to celebrate industry advances and achievements in workplace health and safety in the ACT.

"The annual awards provide an opportunity for businesses, industry and professional organisations, unions and employees to highlight activities they have undertaken to improve safety and reduce injuries in the workplace," ACT WorkCover acting commissioner, Steven Hart said.

The major objectives of the awards are to encourage public and private sector workplaces to develop and implement initiatives that result in a safer and healthier workplace, to share learning and ideas, and publicly acknowledge significant achievements in effective workplace health and safety.

"ACT WorkCover encourages workplaces to be proactive in occupational health and safety and to implement safety initiatives before a costly safety incident occurs rather than after the event," Hart said.

The 2006 Occupational Health and Safety Awards attracted 31 entries within five award categories. The awards will have six categories in 2007 as well as an Excellence Award winner chosen from the category winners in recognition of outstanding achievement.

Winners from four of the categories will automatically qualify for entry in the national Safe Work Australia Awards 2007.

"If your workplace has implemented an innovative health and safety or injury management initiative, solution or system, or has individuals passionate about safety that have made a difference, ACT WorkCover encourages you to share your ideas and successes and nominate for the 2007 Awards," Hart said.

Nominations for the ACT Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2007 close on 1 August 2007. Information on the awards, including conditions of entry, category criteria and nomination forms, are available on the "Latest News' page of the ACT WorkCover website.