Spotlight shines on Queensland safe work and return to work initiatives

Outstanding examples of safe work and return to work initiatives have been celebrated at a gala luncheon in Brisbane today.

Member for Greenslopes, Joe Kelly MP represented Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace at the 2018 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards.

“I congratulate this year’s winners who were selected from an outstanding pool of 35 finalists across 10 award categories,” Mr Kelly said.

“These awards aim to recognise and celebrate outstanding examples of organisations and individuals doing great things for Queensland when it comes to work health and safety, rehabilitation and return to work.

“I applaud all of this year’s finalists for their innovative workplace health and safety solutions and initiatives.

“For example, Rolleston based organisation, Christmas Creek Cattle Company took out two awards – the best solution to an identified work health and safety issue (small to medium business), as well as the best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety.

“And the best part is – they didn’t re-invent the wheel or come up with something needing thousands of dollars to develop.

“They thought outside the square to use existing culverts under the road to safely move livestock from one property to another, avoiding dangerous highway crossings.

“All they needed was permission, some fencing and a few extra gates – and that’s a prime example of Queenslanders working smarter to improve safety.”

Mr Kelly was joined by Queensland safety ambassador Shane Webcke to present the winners with plaques and prize money at the Royal International Convention Centre.

“Kelly Services’ Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Manager Timothy Gallagher received two awards - for the best individual contribution to rehabilitation and return to work as well as the best demonstrated leadership in return to work," he said.

“Tim has established a preferred medical supplier network, which gets injured workers back on the job significantly quicker as the providers understand what suitable duties are available.”

A full list of this year’s winners can be found below. For more information about the Safe Work and Return to Work Awards visit worksafe.qld.gov.au.

Media contact: Emma Clarey 0439 578 472

2018 Safe Work and Return to Work Award Winners

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

• Small to medium business - Christmas Creek Cattle Company (Rolleston)
• Large business - John Holland Pty Ltd (Fortitude Valley)

Category two - Best individual contribution to work health and safety

• Laurel Johnson - Simonds Homes Pty Ltd (Qld)

Category three - Best solution to an identified electrical safety issue

• P.T. Automation Solutions (Nerang)

Category four - Most significant improvement to work health and safety performance

• Gateway Motorway Services (Murarrie)

Category five - Best workplace health and wellbeing initiative

• Small to medium business - Bama Services (Bungalow)
• Large business - Scentre Group Design and Construction (Upper Coomera)

Category six - Best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety

• Christmas Creek Cattle Company (Rolleston)

Category seven - Injured worker achievement award

• Rebecca Metcalfe (Cungulla)

Category eight - Best rehabilitation and return to work management system

• SEE Civil Pty Ltd (Helensvale)

Category nine - Best individual contribution to rehabilitation and return to work

• Timothy Gallagher - Kelly Services (Brisbane)      

Category ten - Best demonstrated leadership in return to work

• Timothy Gallagher - Kelly Services (Brisbane)