Next month’s Safe Work and Return to Work Awards ceremony in Brisbane will showcase Queensland’s best work health and safety, rehabilitation and return to work champions.
Announcing the award finalists today, Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace praised the outstanding commitment of Queensland businesses and individuals to safety in the workplace.
“Our expert judges had their work cut out again this year with more than 120 entries across 11 categories,” Ms Grace said.
“And to make it even more exciting, there’s an extra category this year – Best demonstrated healthy and safe work design.
“That means either Buildsafe Queensland or RoadTek will create their own piece of awards history by taking home the gong in this category for the very first time.”
The 2019 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards finalists hail from all over Queensland – from Townsville and Mackay to Kingaroy and down to the Gold Coast.
There are also inspirational examples of courage and grit by people determined to get back into meaningful employment after serious injury.
“All four finalists in the injured worker achievement category are amazing, climbing up off the canvas and working hard to make remarkable recoveries to get back on the job.
“These incredible Queenslanders have put serious medical issues such as amputations, spinal damage, major crush injuries and bone bruising behind them and bounced back.
“And it doesn’t end there – some of the solutions to an identified work health and safety issue are pure genius.
“For example, the Pole Grab safety ladder system, is simple but brilliant, safely securing tradies and their tools when working at height,” Ms Grace said.
The Safe Work and Return to Work Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding examples of organisations and individuals doing great things for Queensland when it comes to work health and safety, rehabilitation and return to work.
Category 1 – Best solution to an identified work health and safety issue
- Envirochasing Sales T/A Guarda Systems – Como, WA
- Incitec Pivot Fertilisers – Murarrie
- Pole Grab Pty Ltd – Clontarf
- Verton Technologies Australia Pty Ltd – Milton
Category 2 – Best individual contribution to work health and safety
- Ashley Rieck – Greensill Farming – Bundaberg
- Craig Hatchard – RoadTek – Brisbane
- Glen James – Foodbank – Morningside
Category 3 – Best solution to an identified electrical safety issue
- Energy Queensland – Hervey Bay
Category 4 – Most significant improvement to work health and safety performance
- Eagle Alliance Earthmoving Pty Ltd – Murarrie
- Mendi Constructions – Townsville
- Swickers – Kingaroy
Category 5 – Best commitment to work health and wellbeing
- Cancer Council Queensland – Fortitude Valley
- CQ University – Rockhampton
- G&S Engineering – Mackay
Category 6 – Best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety
- CQ University – Rockhampton
- Eagle Alliance Earthmoving Pty Ltd – Murarrie
- Glen Cook, Energy Queensland – Hervey Bay
- Mendi Constructions – Townsville
Category 7 – Injured worker achievement award
- Amanda Ludgater – Skyline Landscape Services – Nerang
- Jessica McDowell – Churches of Christ – Maryborough
- Jordan Williams – Melco Engineering – Mackay
- Tajhon Mailata – OI Brisbane – West End
Category 8 – Best rehabilitation and return to work management system
- Griffith University – Nathan
- Skyline Landscape Services – Nerang
Category 9 – Best individual contribution to rehabilitation and return to work
- Hilary Mauro – Endeavour Foundation – Cairns
- Jacci Watson – Skyline Landscape Services – Nerang
- Susan Bryer – WorkCover Queensland – Brisbane
- Tracy Bignell – Townsville City Council – Townsville
Category 10 – Best demonstrated leadership in return to work
Category 11 – Best demonstrated healthy and safe work design
- Buildsafe Queensland – Gold Coast
- Craig Hatchard – RoadTek – Brisbane
