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Year 2008
Winners & Highly Commended

2008 Winners & Highly Commended

WINNER - Category 1 Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System

Joss Group, Albury NSW

Joss Group is a family company that was established in 1975 by Colin and Lorraine Joss. Since then the Company has grown to cover all aspects of commercial building in a diversity of styles with a wide range of construction techniques. Joss Group employs more than 700 staff and is made up of Joss Construction, Joss Facility Management and Joss Distribution.

Initiative

In early 2005 Joss Group was awarded a Facilities Management Contract for the Department of Commerce, to undertake maintenance and cleaning in 360 Government sites throughout the Riverina. As part of this contract Joss Group took on a workforce of approximately 600 workers and identified within this group an unacceptable level of worker injury and lost time productivity. The Joss safety initiative was to develop and implement a management system to overcome this high level of workplace incidents and also manage injured workers to return them to their roles following rehabilitation.

The key areas the new management system targeted were:

Training focused intensively on workplace safety and staff requirements
Induction based on core safety competencies and company obligations. New staff are also assigned a mentor to assist in safety processes and procedures
Monitoring and supervision of all work sites by supervisors on a monthly basis. Site visit reports are then posted on the website for all stakeholders to view.
A Staff Morale program to aid employees to feel part of a team and therefore to be more vigilant in OHS.
Consultation by electing safety representatives from each work group who then form a consultation committee.
Constant communication with staff to keep them up to date with changes and how effective OHS procedures have been in keeping incidents low.

Judge's Comments: "This is a comprehensive integrated system that deserves praise. It is obvious that the Joss Group work as a team and the ownership of the system is underpinned by a positive OH&S commitment by the whole organisation".

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Category 1 Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System

Corporate Express, Mascot NSW

Corporate Express cater for every aspect of your business with IT solutions, print services, promotional marketing, business furniture, facilities supplies, catering and kitchen supplies and office essentials.

Initiative

Corporate Express has developed and evolved a tailor made occupational health and safety management system since 2006. This need came about after a purchased "off the shelf solution" failed to make a difference to the business and to the well being of its 2600 employees.

The system developed is called 'Safety Shop'. This is a system designed on the principles of AS/NZS 4801/4804 and is a "one stop shop" for anything with regard to health and safety within Corporate Express.

The system includes:

A consultation process that links senior management with the 40+ Corporate Express sites, site managers, OHS Committees and employees
Annual OHS Planning with clear KPI's and monthly time-lines
A Senior Management Review demonstrated by monthly reviews of the OHS plan and incidents that occur within the business
Statistical Analysis. The 'Safety Shop' is the repository for OHS statistics and are available to employees on the intranet system
Risk Management. One of the key features of Safety Shop is the Corporate Risk Register that holds in excess of 200 risks and clearly demonstrates systematic identification and control of hazards
Site Safety Planning. All sites have a 'site safety plan which instils a proactive approach to OHS.

Judge's Comments: "Excellent improvement in Loss Time Injuries (LTIs). There is commitment to safety from top down, an impressive system and has the potential to be used by other companies".

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Category 1 Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System '

TalentPay, North Sydney NSW

TalentPay specialises in providing performer employment compliance and contract and administration services, acting as the principal employer of performers on-behalf of 'producers' for media productions notably advertisement productions including television commercials, photo shoots and voice recordings.

Initiative

TalentPay has undertaken the initiative to promote safety between the performer agent and the advertising agency/production house to bring occupational health and safety practices to the creative industry sector, particularly in the advertising industry.

The OHS system is a critical part of the core business conducted by TalentPay and prior to allowing employees to attend the worksite, the work script must be reviewed and a risk assessment completed for each performance or activity. Employees are not engaged to attend the worksite unless the host employer can meet risk controls. TalentPay has also introduced an employee policy and procedure manual and an OHS and Quality Management System Manual, which is available to all staff and contractors.

Judges comments: "TalentPay have clearly taken a leadership role in their industry with the potential for this product to be used in live theatre. They have certainly bridged the gap between employee and contractor management".

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

The Dorsal Boutique, Forster NSW

The Dorsal Boutique Hotel is a three-year-old 4.5 star 29 suite hotel built on the beachfront in the NSW Mid North Coast town of Forster. A seasonal establishment attractive to business people during the week and as a weekend getaway for families. The Dorsal Boutique has 15 – 30 employees both casual and full time and facilities include a restaurant, bar and conference venue.

Initiative

Due to the nature of the hotel industry housekeepers sustaining back injuries became a major concern to the Dorsal Boutique. They therefore developed a bed lifting system, which is a frame that allows housemaids to make beds standing up. No more bending, stretching or dragging heavy beds. This system also assists with inspecting under the beds. It is now manufactured, patented and there is worldwide interest and installations are already happening.

Judge's Comments: "Once observed in action this initiative is very impressive and has the potential to set new standards for the future of the hospitality industry".

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

City of Sydney, Sydney NSW

The City of Sydney Council is one of the largest local government authorities in NSW employing over 1600 people.

The City of Sydney is a capital city council, which is responsible for the commercial, financial and cultural hub of the greater Sydney area.

The City continues to pursue its vision of meeting local resident's needs whilst advancing Sydney's global position as Australia's premier city, through the implementation of a range of services, programs and initiatives directed at residents, businesses and visitors.

Initiative

City of Sydney Council staff developed a plant item called the 'Stem Aligner" to alleviate the manual handling problems encountered whilst attending to damaged sign posts within the local government area and in particular the CBD district of Sydney.

The outcome of the safety solution has meant the Council has completely eliminated the risk of neck and back injuries, by not carrying out the work associated with manually straightening sign posts, but rather has left this task now to the 'Stem Aligner'; eliminating the risk of tripping or falling and increased public safety and elimination of noise

Judge's Comments: "This solution appears to have outstanding potential for broader application across industry. Councils throughout Australia and beyond will be lining up to get a Stem Aligner".

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

Toll Transport, Greenacre NSW

Toll Autologistics is the specialist 3rd party automotive logistics provider within the Toll Group, the leading provider of integrated logistics services in the Asia Pacific region. Toll Autologistics - Vehicles is Australia's leading finished vehicle transportation business and is the primary service provider to car manufacturers.

Initiative

TollAutologistics identified risks associated with the loading and unloading process by employees of large vehicle transporters which exposes them to: potential falls from heights, working in confined spaces, strains, trip and slip hazard risks and much physical exertion which contributes towards fatigue and potentially further increases risks. The hazards are exacerbated during heat, cold and inclement weather as operators rush to complete the task in difficult conditions.

The solution was the 'Flatpak' 8-car vehicle transporter. The Flatpak has eliminated the requirement for operators to work at heights by allowing all of the transporter decks to flat-pack on the base of the trailer to a height of 1.5m. Once cars are driven into place on the trailer the operator exits the car, steps onto the working platform (at the 1.5m height) and descends to ground level via access steps. The operator always maintains a safe 3-point contact whilst climbing on and off the transporter. Once safely on the ground, the operator has clear access to secure the car working in a safe, upright position with both feet firmly on the ground.

Judge's Comments: " It can be seen that this vehicle will change the standard in car carrying".

"Observing this vehicle in action is very impressive and receiving no strain or manual handling related injuries from employees since working with the flat pack trucks is commendable". '

WINNER - Category 3 Best Workplace Health & Safety Practices in a Small Business

WP Projects, Cattai NSW

WP Projects is an award-winning Sydney based commercial construction company that specialise in project/construction management, fit outs, refurbishment and maintenance. WP Projects have a solid foundation of expertise and knowledge in passive solar design, environmental sustainability and the green star accredited building process. The business has been operating for over 30 years.

Initiative

WP Projects realised that the physically demanding nature of work in the construction industry leads to employees being exposed to various forms of injury. They set out to minimise or eliminate the likelihood of this occurring.

Their first step was to examine the common causes and types of workplace injuries that occur and as a result identified the problem areas of: Manual handling, working at heights, falls from the same level and electrocution.

WP Projects then worked with employees to minimise the risks and together developed and implement a range of solutions including:

trolley for sheets – was developed to minimise the amount of manual handling and eliminates the need to bend lift or cut below mid thigh height
new trolleys for metal products – minimises manual handling and allows for a neater workplace eliminating trip hazards
custom made scaffold – this was engineered to eliminate the need to climb up and down by 80% which greatly reduces the chance of falls from height
insulation rig – minimises the number of hours working at heights, manual handling of insulation and reduces the chance of musculoskeletal disorders
pre fabricated frames and bulkheads – reduces the amount of time employees work at heights
chairs – reduces the chance of bending over or kneeling for long periods of time
tile installer – allows the tiles to be installed from the ground which eliminated a chance of falling from height using cordless tools where practicable reducing trips over cabling and electrocution

Judge's Comments: "A good example of 'driving' continuous safety improvements. A simple, low cost and gradual approach to driving on-site safety that has led to an effective and integral safety culture in WP Projects work sites".

WINNER - Category 4 Public Sector Leadership Award for Injury Prevention and Management '

Eraring Energy, Dora Creek NSW

Eraring Energy is a state owned corporation that manages a diverse set of electricity-generating assets located throughout New South Wales, Australia.

Eraring Energy's portfolio comprises a number of generators including thermal power station, New South Wales' first wind farm, hydro sites, and pumped storage schemes.

Initiative

Eraring Energy has identified that safety leadership and its goal of injury and illness free workplace could only be achieved through the engagement and involvement of their people at all levels of the OHS process.

The involvement of all levels of staff in a range of initiatives, committees, planning days, working parties, and workplace change and improvement is a key driver of the organisations culture and commitment to the value that they place in their employees.

The establishment of the 'Three Pillars' of safety approach 'People, Plant and Systems' allows Eraring Energy to identify risks in all these areas and manage them effectively.

The overall aim of their safety approach is to create and maintain a 'Mindful Organisation' where positive OHS leadership leads to the elimination of workplace injury and illness. '

Judge's Comments : "Earing Energy's leadership and involvement in injury prevention and management has clearly been expanded beyond the bounds of the organisation and delivers an exceptional OH&S package".

WINNER - Category 5 Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety

Paul Waters - Eraring Energy, Dora Creek NSW

Eraring Energy is a State Owned Corporation established on 2 August 2000 under the State Owned Corporations Act 1989, the Energy Services Corporation Act 1995 and Energy Services Corporation (Eraring Energy) Regulation 2000. Eraring Energy manages a diverse portfolio of coal fired, wind, hydro and pumped storage electricity generating assets located throughout New South Wales.

Initiative

Paul Waters is a Power Worker at Eraring Power Station with 27 years power industry experience. His Power Worker duties have involved assisting Instrumentation and Control System Technicians carry out the installation, repair and calibration of power station instrumentation. Recently Paul has taken up a new role of administering a number of contractor groups at Eraring Power Station including cleaners, plumbers, fencers, and mowing and slashing groups. Paul is very passionate about the health and safety of his workmates and also about the health and fitness of the local community and for disabled people. His dedication and commitment takes him well beyond the call of his normal duties in initiating and following through many health and safety projects.

The program involves over 250 trained volunteer participants carrying out peer observations and analysing safe and at-risk behaviours in the workplace. Paul has led by example in initiating observations between different work groups, he has volunteered to demonstrate observations in Safety Leadership Training Courses, and he has developed a Team Coach Plan where volunteers from each team assist team mates in improving the quality of, and participation in, their team's observations

Judge's Comments: "Paul has demonstrated a long-term, enthusiastic approach to promoting health and safety in the workplace. Employee participant levels and reducing health problems statistics, indicates Paul's hard work is paying dividends. Additionally Paul's work within the local community is inspiring".

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Category 5 Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety

David Stead and Steve Kurtz - PPG Industries, Villawood NSW

PPG Industries is a coatings company, which operates globally. The PPG Architectural coatings division, which is located in Sydney, manufactures and distributes architectural paint under the brand names of Taubmans, Bristol and White Knight.

Initiative

As a chemical company we have historically had chemicals on site in a variety of storage vessels, including 200 litre drums. Occasionally we would have a problem with a drum, which built up gas inside. We managed this by the standard practice of using a drum wrench; gloves, face shield and attempting to open the drum without being in the path of either the gas, bung or drum contents. Due to the solvent recycling program we needed to develop a management system for the capture and storage of "dirty" solvent to be sent to the recycling supplier. Due to the mix of solvent being used on site, the potential for 200 litre drums to have a gas build up whilst in storage increased significantly.

Research into options available to safely remove the gas from the drum proved that this is a common problem in the chemical industry and there did not appear to be a safe option. Two PPG employees from the manufacturing floor decided to develop a safe alternative. David Stead, works chemist, and Steve Kurtz, maintenance fitter, designed a device that is able to be placed on top of the bulging drum, lock into position and enable the operator to safely degas the drum, without placing the operator or the environment at risk.

Judge's Comments: "A simple yet effective tool to reduce some of the risks associated with over pressurised drums. This application has the potential in many areas including emergency services". "Great potential for broader application locally and internationally".

WINNER - Category 6 WorkCover NSW Leadership in Safety Award

Bovis Lend Lease, Millers point NSW

Bovis Lend Lease is one of the world's leading project management and construction companies, using industry best practices when working with clients to create high quality, sustainable property assets. They have a presence in over 30 countries, spearheaded by regional hubs in the UK, Australia and the US.

Initiative

Bovis Lend Lease has been nominated for the WorkCover NSW SafeWork Awards 2008 for its partnership with WorkCover NSW in developing and commencing the pilot Safe business is good Business Mentor Program in the construction industry during 2006 and its continued involvement.

The Safe business is Good Business Mentor Program was established to provide opportunities for small businesses to engage with WorkCover in an advice and assistance capacity with large business providing one on one technical and mentoring support to allocated small businesses and management capability.

Bovis Lend Lease was the first large business to see the business benefit and good corporate citizenship associated with becoming a mentor organisation and agreed to pilot the program with ten small businesses in the Sydney metro area during 2006. Seven of Bovis' Environment, Health and Safety Managers were allocated to the program to mentor between one and two small businesses each.

At its inception the program did not have a priority program budget and Bovis lend Lease provided much in kind support to the program through the allocation of its Environment, Health and Safety Managers making its venues available for workshops, and allowing all mentees and selected WorkCover staff the opportunity to have a guided site visit at one of its developments.

Judge's Comments: "Bovis Lend Lease have gone above and beyond to support WorkCover programs by providing resources at their own cost. Their commitment to improving safety within their industry is inspirational".

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Category 6 WorkCover NSW Leadership in Safety Award

Youthsafe in partnership with the Australian Retailers Association, Sydney NSW

Youthsafe is an independent, non-for profit organisation committed to making a positive difference to youth injury in NSW. Youthsafe address safety across a range of settings where young people get injured and are involved in road safety, rail safety, workplace safety, sport safety and recreational safety, including safer celebrations.

The Australian Retailers Association is the peak industry body in Australia's $292 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Workplace Relations Act and with a range of member services including business consulting, policy development, advocacy and education, the Association supports and represents over 5,000 members throughout Australia.

Initiative

Youthsafe in partnership with the Australian Retailers Association received a grant under the 2007/2008 WorkCover Assist program to develop and disseminate an OHS resource kit for high school students, teachers, parents and employers of young people. The collaboration has ensured consultation with students, educators and employers resulting in an innovative, effective and relevant OHS resource.

The OHS resource is comprised of:

An interactive DVD with a menu containing OHS risk assessment strategies; OHS workplace scenarios demonstrating various workplace risks and methods of assessing and reporting risk; OHS risk assessment strategy recall activities
A CD-ROM containing downloadable PDF support material for teachers including:
- Lesson plans catering to a range of abilities and literacy levels
- Interactive activities and worksheets with suggested responses
- Pre and post learning assessment tasks and marking criteria as prescribed by the NSW Board of Studies
- Student and teacher fact sheets, teachers notes and tips and links to other resources
An online website duplicating the CD-ROM content that will extend the availability of this content and allow posting of updated materials.

This resource is being used in high schools both in regional and metropolitan NSW as part of the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education curriculum. The resource is being welcomed by participants as being a relevant, user-friendly resource for students that are entering the workforce.

Judge's Comments: "Young Workers are in the high-risk category to be injured. This is a fantastic program that promotes education to those workers at risk and shows what great results can be achieved when partnering with WorkCover and the Industry".