Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace has congratulated Queensland’s 2019 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards winners at a ceremony in Brisbane.
Minister Grace was joined by Queensland Safety Ambassador Shane Webcke at the Royal International Convention Centre today to announce the 12 winners across 11 categories.
“Congratulations to all award winners who hail from all parts of the state such as Mackay, Rockhampton, Hervey Bay and Townsville,” Ms Grace said.
“These organisations and individuals are doing great things for Queensland when it comes to work health and safety, rehabilitation and return to work.
“Clearly, they are champions and we are not only keen to celebrate their outstanding efforts, but also share their stories and ideas to help others.
“From Jordan Williams’ courageous return to work after serious injury, to Ashley Rieck’s work health and safety initiatives in farming – these are all shining examples of what creative Queenslanders are doing around the state.”
Jordan Williams from Mackay took out the injured worker achievement award (serious injury). Whilst repairing a conveyer, Jordan suffered severe injuries to his eyes, spine, and spinal cord. At 22, he was told he would never walk again. However, he defied the odds and with the help of his employer, is training to become a draftsman/estimator.
Ashley Rieck won the award for best individual contribution to work health and safety for his safety advocacy at agribusiness Greensill, in Bundaberg.
Ashley also championed programs such as alcohol and drug education, fatigue management training, mental health support, suicide prevention and managing whole body vibration.
The 2019 winners are:
Category 1 – Best solution to an identified work health and safety issue
- Pole Grab Pty Ltd – Clontarf
Category 2 – Best individual contribution to work health and safety
- Ashley Rieck – Greensill Farming – Bundaberg
Category 3 – Best solution to an identified electrical issue
- Energy Queensland – Hervey Bay
Category 4 – Most significant improvement to work health and safety performance
- Eagle Alliance Earthmoving Pty Ltd – Murarrie
Category 5 – Best commitment to work health and wellbeing
- G&S Engineering – Mackay
Category 6 – Best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety
- CQ University – Rockhampton
Category 7 – Injured worker achievement award (serious injury)
- Jordan Williams – Melco Engineering – Mackay
Category 7 – Injured worker achievement award (return to work)
- Jessica McDowell – Churches of Christ – Mackay
Category 8 – Best rehabilitation and return to work system
- Griffith University – Nathan
Category 9 – Best individual contribution to rehabilitation and return to work
- Tracy Bignell – Townsville City Council – Townsville
Category 10 – Best demonstrated leadership in return to work
- Skyline Landscape Services – Nerang
Category 11 – Best demonstrated healthy and safe work design
- Buildsafe Queensland – Gold Coast
