Safe workplaces set to shine in state awards

Nominations are now open for this year’s Queensland Safe Work and Return to Work Awards, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Curtis Pitt has announced.

Mr Pitt said the awards highlighted innovation and success in work health and safety, rehabilitation and return to work.

“These awards recognize and reward Queensland businesses that are going the extra yard to keep their workers safe,” he said.

“There are a lot of businesses out there doing the right thing and helping those who are injured get back to meaningful work as soon as possible.

“The Palaszczuk Government went to the election with a commitment to restore fairness and balance to Queensland workplaces.

“It’s only fitting that we recognise the efforts of those Queensland businesses that are doing the right thing their workers.”

Mr Pitt said previous winning entries include healthy worker programs designed to reduce obesity and smoking rates and virtual emergency simulation safety training.

“We have also seen organisations drastically re-design workspaces to accommodate injured workers, or re-train staff in other roles - including a construction worker who severely injured his hand and now works as an accountant.”

Mr Pitt said tragically, around 40 Queenslanders die each year as a result of traumatic workplace incidents and more than 5,000 are permanently injured.

“I urge all workplaces with a smart safety solution or a proven track record of rehabilitating injured workers to enter these awards,” he said.

“These awards are a platform to share ideas and solutions with others so that all working Queenslanders can go home safely to their families at the end of each day.

“Any death in a workplace is one too many and if we can create more awareness about this issue, we’re going to create a safer working environment for Queenslanders.”

For more information on entering the Safe Work and Return to Work Awards, visit worksafe.qld.gov.au.

Entries close Monday 29 June 2015. Winners will be announced at a ceremony during Safe Work Month in October.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548