2021 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards highlight best of the best

The 2021 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards have highlighted outstanding examples of Queensland businesses and individuals who’ve gone the extra mile.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace today congratulated the 12 winners, chosen from 34 finalists and 82 overall entries.

“These businesses and individuals have displayed unrivalled commitment to keeping Queenslanders healthy and safe at work, or if they’re injured, getting them back on the job as soon as possible,” she said.

“The 2021 awards featured a new category recognising outstanding responses to COVID-19, which was won by Australian Country Choice.

“ACC tackled the pandemic challenges head on to keep staff and customers healthy and safe.

“Through accelerated use of digital technology and constant messaging, ACC kept its entire workforce in the loop.

“The cattle, beef and food processing company also developed reusable and launderable balaclavas and used specialised messaging for social distancing like ‘stay one cow-length apart’.”

Minister Grace said Injured Worker Achievement winner Ellie Dunn deserved special mention for returning to work against the odds.

“Ellie was completing her civil traineeship when she was severely injured in a motor vehicle accident while traveling between sites for a client,” Ms Grace said.

“She suffered multiple injuries resulting in a high amputation of her left leg. Ellie spent months in hospital receiving intensive rehabilitation and psychological support.

“Ellie was able to walk again and her rehab continues, but she is back at work.

“Her bravery, determination, resilience and positive attitude is inspiring.”

Ms Grace also highlighted PRM Engineering Services Pty Limited for taking out the ‘Best solution to an identified work health and safety issue’ award.

“Well done to PRM which developed a high-tech human pedestrian detection system using artificial intelligence, recognising when a person has entered a hazardous zone,” she said.

“The system reliably identifies a person’s presence and warn operators, pedestrians, or site employees of impending danger.

“The system is versatile and can adapt to all kinds of excavators, loaders, trucks and other types of vehicles, so it can be used in the construction, waste, retail and warehousing industries.”

2021 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards winners

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

• PRM Engineering Services, Willawong

Category two - Best individual contribution to work health and safety

• Michelle Oberg, Downer Group, Runcorn

Category three - Best solution to an identified electrical safety issue

• National Electrical Communications Association, Salisbury

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

• Mendi Constructions, Townsville

Category five - Best commitment to work health and wellbeing

• Wesley Mission Queensland, Chermside

Category six - Best demonstrated healthy and safe work design

• Workplace Maintenance Solutions, Riddells Creek

Category seven - Best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety

• Australian Country Choice, Cannon Hill

Category eight - Injured worker achievement award      

• Ellie Dunn, Protech, Highfields

Category nine - Best rehabilitation and return to work management system

• Wesley Mission Queensland, Chermside

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

• Nancy Andrian, Lendlease, Bowen Hills

Category eleven - Best demonstrated leadership in rehabilitation and return to work

• Protech, Highfields

Category twelve - Best response to the COVID-19 pandemic in work health and safety

• Australian Country Choice, Cannon Hill

ENDS

More information is on the WorkSafe website

Media contact: Laura McKee 0451 997 920