Queensland Safe Work and Return to Work champions recognised

A rehabilitation and return to work coordinator and a family owned electrical business are amongst those recognised at the 2017 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said both were shining examples of the commitment and creativity displayed by those involved in work safety, wellbeing and return to work in Queensland.

"Toni Wilson won the award for best individual contribution to rehabilitation and return to work for her tireless efforts in getting injured workers back on the job,” she said.

“Family-owned Laser Electrical Edmonton took out the best workplace health and wellbeing initiative award for a small business for providing staff a three-day weekend, enabling workers to enjoy a Monday or Friday off every week.

“This is not revolutionary, but has set up a great environment and workplace culture where staff are happy and very productive – everybody wins.”

These are just two of the winners at this year’s Safe Work and Return to Work Awards announced in Brisbane earlier today.

“The ten category winners and three smaller businesses recognised are outstanding examples of how dedicated and innovative Queenslanders are when it comes to work health and safety and return to work,” Ms Grace said.

“These people and businesses are making a real difference and that’s why we are sharing their stories.”

Queensland safety ambassador and league legend Shane Webcke joined Minister Grace to announce the 2017 winners in front of a packed house at a gala lunch at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre today.

“We hope that the outstanding efforts of this year’s winners inspire and motivate others to follow suit,” Ms Grace said.
 
Mt Cotton poultry producer, Darwalla Group, was the big winner taking out the best rehabilitation and return to work management system award and the best demonstrated leadership in return to work award.

The Safe Work and Return to Work Awards showcase excellence in safety or getting injured workers back to meaningful duties as soon as possible. The awards are a highlight of Safe Work Month which runs during October. This year, there were 167 entries which were whittled down to 30 finalists.

To view this year's winners, visit https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safe-work-and-return-to-work-awards

2017 Safe Work and Return to Work winners

Category 1 Best solution to an identified work health and safety issue

Lendlease, Brisbane

*Buildsafe Qld, Gold Coast – named medium sized company winner*

Category 2 Best individual contribution to work health and safety

Paul Patten, Fulton Hogan Industries, Ormeau

Category 3 Best solution to an identified electrical issue

Bishopp Billboards, Kelvin Grove

Category 4 Most significant improvement to work health and safety performance

Stanwell, Tarong Power Station, Kingaroy

*Austral Precast, Salisbury – named small to medium sized company winner*

Category 5 Best workplace health and wellbeing initiative

NOJA Power, Murarrie

*Laser Electrical, Edmonton – named small company winner*

Category 6 Best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety

NOJA Power, Murarrie

Category 7 Injured work achievement award

Bruce O’Grady, Maxcon Industries, Brassall

Category 8 Best rehabilitation and return to work management system

Darwalla Group, Mt Cotton

Category 9 Best individual contribution to rehabilitation and return to work

Toni Wilson, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Cairns

Category 10 Best demonstrated leadership in return to work

Darwalla Group, Mt Cotton

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548