Testimonial from 2008 SafeWork Awards Award Recipients
Category 1 - Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System
Winner - Joss Group - Ian Bennett, General Manager
"Joss Group was absolutely thrilled to be the winner of one of WorkCover's most prestigious awards. We were very proud to be short listed to be a finalist, to win it was just fantastic! The main benefit to our company in winning such an award demonstrates to our employees the recognition for all of their hard work over the past three years.
We were very impressed with the high level of professionalism demonstrated throughout the whole process including the judging, interviews, level of communication and the Award Ceremony, to top it off, was sensational. The presentations were very well done, with no time wasted, the speakers were great, the food and beverages were terrific, and we all had a lot of fun!
As earlier stated we didn't expect to win such an award considering the calibre of our fellow competitors, and to bring home such an award into a regional area demonstrates to other small organisations that it can happen".
Highly Commended - Corporate Express – Stephen Elliott, National Manager OHS & QA
"We thoroughly enjoyed Workcover NSW Awards 2008. The whole entry process was professional and well organised. Our organisation has greatly benefited from the experience, not only in terms of improving safety within the business; but also through self-promotion with our customers. The awards night was fantastic and I thought that Adam Spencer was a worthy MC"
Highly Commended – TalentPay - Annette Morris, General Manager
We were very impressed by the organisation of the event and the large number of people who attended the Awards night. The SafeWork Awards allows a company to benchmark itself against the best companies in NSW and to prove to itself that it has the processes and policies that can stand the highest scrutiny."
Finalist - CCTS - Ian Martin, Manager
"CCTS is a leading telecommunications construction company that prides itself on its Quality, Environmental and OHS credentials. The SafeWork Awards gave us an opportunity to show how well our management system works and provide information for other companies to promote a safer workplace. From the application stage right through to the awards night, WorkCover was very supportive and professional. This was a special night to promote a special cause " A Safer Workplace for Everyone". CCTS has already received acknowledgement of their finalist achievement from some clients and we will continue to promote safety in the work place and support WorkCover initiatives".
Category 2 - Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health & Safety Issue
Highly Commended - Toll AutoLogistics, Bob Lovf
"2008 was our first experience with the SafeWork awards. We feel that recognising a business for innovation in regards to the health and safety of their employees is a fantastic idea. Although our industry is somewhat unique, it was fantastic to see what ideas others are coming up with and what possible applications they may have in our industry. Our ability to promote our business, as safety award winners to our customers gives us a competitive edge. Good luck with this year's awards!"
Finalist – Anglican Care, Katrina Rooney, HR/OHS Officer
The SafeWork Awards were a great opportunity for Anglican Care to congratulate the hard work and dedication of our staff involved in the development and implementation of our safety initiative. Our Initiative, the Manual Handling Coaches Program, would not be the success it is today without the staff who work on the floor practicing the safety principles everyday, and it was wonderful to see them get such prestigious recognition for their achievements. In addition, Anglican Care has received positive feedback and recognition from key industry bodies and the wider community in showcasing our achievements, through the use of the SafeWork Award Finalist logo in our promotional material. Anglican Care would like to thank WorkCover and everyone involved in the coordination of the SafeWork Awards for taking the time to focus on the positive outcomes that can happen when staff work together to improve safety.
Finalist - Department of Primary Industries, Kevin Cooper, Leader Animal Plant & Fish Health Emergency Preparedness & Response
The participation in the WorkCover NSW Safework Awards was a valuable and worthwhile experience for NSW DPI and those from the department's Biosecurity First Response Team. The management of the awards was first class and provided a rare and important opportunity for acknowledging the significant and innovative contributions by many to the health and safety in the community. Those involved with the awards including the presentation night have been full of praise for the whole experience. The award nomination has further encouraged staff to develop innovative solutions to complex health and safety challenges associated with the management of emergency animal and plant diseases. The awards further reinforce the high standing the department has a leader in the management of emergency pests and diseases. Thanks!
Category 4 - Public Sector Leadership Award for Injury Prevention & Management
Winner Category 4 & 5 - Eraring Energy, Shaun Edwards
"The Awards night was such an exciting experience for our team from Eraring Energy. There was such a buzz from all the companies who were represented on the night - we were all there for the same reason. Just to be there amongst such a group of high ‘safety' achievers was fantastic and to pick up two awards was a huge honour, and testimony to a lot of hard work by many people over a long time. We have had many invitations and visits from other safety focussed companies in the months since. Thanks for the opportunity WorkCover!"
Finalist – Country Energy – Mark Mulligan, Chief Safety Officer
"The SafeWork Awards represent a unique opportunity to promote the value of our Safety Systems at Country Energy. The Awards allowed us to benchmark ourselves against like-minded organisations that place safety as their highest priority, and to jointly celebrate our success and commitment to safety at the Awards night. A very positive experience and one that Country Energy will continue our involvement in for years to come".
Category 5 - Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety
Highly Commended – PPG Industries, Mel Richardson I EHS Systems & Training Leader I
"2008 was the first time our company entered the SafeWork Awards. What a great way to acknowledge and celebrate workplace safety. Entering two of our employees in the "Individual contribution to Safety" category was a practical way to give the recognition and reward to those that have gone above and beyond to improve their work environment. The awards night was brilliant – the team could celebrate the achievement together. We will certainly be looking to see what nominations can be made for the upcoming WorkCover Awards."
Finalist – TNT, Graham Burton, National OHS Projects Manager, Workplace Risk
"TNT Australia has participated in WorkCover NSW SafeWork awards for several years. We have been impressed by the innovation and excellence shown in various submissions; it was a great learning opportunity. The awards ceremony dinner was a great networking opportunity and a fantastic night. We appreciated the high standards of probity and professionalism WorkCover applies to the awards process".