North Queensland innovations highlight work safety

North Queensland workplaces have until the end of the month to enter this year's Safe Work and Return to Work Awards, showcasing their commitment to keeping workers safe and helping those who are injured get back to meaningful work.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke said the Townsville region had a proud record of showing the rest of the state how to work safer.

"In recent years, Townsville City Council, and Townsville's Core Developments, have developed safety initiatives which improved the work safety of many North Queenslanders," she said.

"Townsville City Council was commended for introducing health programs for its workers, focusing on physical activity and balancing family life with work.

"Core Developments was also leading the rest of the state when it made work safety a priority for all senior staff.

It had them all attend approved safety courses, while contractors and tradies were educated on machinery, with rewards introduced for special efforts by employees.

“Previous winners have included inventions that protect workers when handling livestock, computerised programs for awkward, heavy and risky jobs, mobile safety apps, and virtual emergency simulation safety training.

“We’ve also seen organisations re-design workspaces to accommodate injured workers, or re-train staff in other roles. It’s these great efforts and ingenuity that the Safe Work and Return to Work Awards are all about."

There are eight safe work award categories:

• Best work health and safety management system

• Best solution to an identified health and safety issue

• Best work health and safety practices in small business

• Best individual contribution to work health and safety

• Best solution to an identified electrical safety issue

• Most significant improvement to work health and safety

• Best workplace health and wellbeing initiative

• Best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety

There are five return to work categories:

• Injured worker achievement

• Employer achievement – small/medium employer (fewer than 200 employees)

• Employer achievement – large employer (more than 200 employees)

• Rehabilitation and return to work coordinator achievement

• Best demonstrated leadership in return to work

Entries close 29 June 2015 and winners will be announced at a ceremony on 21 October 2015. To nominate someone visit: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s office 0408 317 992