Year 2007
Working together, sharing knowledge and finding solutions to workplace health and safety issues were clearly displayed by the winners at the 2007 WorkCover NSW Safe Work Awards.
Ms Virginia Judge MP, Parliamentary Secretary, assisting the Minister for Education and Training and assisting the Minister for Industrial Relations, presented four awards and two highly commended certificates at the fourth annual Safe Work Awards, which was held on 30 October at the Waterview Convention Centre at Homebush Bay.
The award for best workplace health and safety management system went to the Catholic Schools Office – Diocese of Broken Bay. With unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and best practice, the diocese implemented an online OHS management system that included e-learning tools, as well as document and information management technology.
Bishop David Walker said, “staff are assured of my commitment to their health, safety and welfare, and receive my encouragement and support for their endeavours in building safe working environments”.
The award for best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue went to the NSW Rape Crisis Centre. The centre received its award for providing seven days-a-week counselling to those staff that suffered vicarious trauma in their work.
The counselling of staff to address this trauma has been highly successful, testimony has been no claims submitted by staff since introducing this system 6 years ago. This program has a broad application not just to health & community organisations but also for the benefit of workers in a range of occupations where there is exposure to vicarious trauma. Since the counselling was introduced, there have been no workers compensation claims for vicarious trauma at the centre, and the program has lent itself not only to other health and community organisations but also to other organisations where vicarious trauma is prevalent.
The award for best workplace health and safety practices in a small business went to Sharpe Bros (Aust) Pty Ltd, a Gosford-based, family-owned, civil contracting business. The company devised a simple but effective solution to a common problem in their workplace – OHS complacency.
To raise staff awareness of the importance of a safer workplace, a mascot called “Safety Bro” was displayed on their trucks, at their worksites, on stationery and on their website.
The award for the best individual contribution to workplace health and safety went to Jason Painter, a butcher from Woolworths. After several years’ of serious incidents involving the bandsaw, Jason made some innovative modifications, including a sliding guard and clamp, and prepared a user-friendly wall chart to outline its operation. Jason’s solution has the potential for broader application across the meat industry.
A highly commended certificate was awarded to Pure Hair Pure Body for best workplace health and safety practices in small business. ‘Being professional is no accident’ was their new motto an OHS was introduced into all aspects of their daily work.
Another highly commended certificate went to Chris Stevens from Mirvac Hotel Quay West Sydney for best individual contribution to workplace health and safety.
Chris is the hotel’s concierge and chairperson of the Health Safety Environment Committee. He is highly regarded by his peers and managers for being proactive and implementing initiatives that eliminate or substantially reduce hazards in the workplace.
The award winners now enter the national Safe Work Australia awards.
