Awards celebrate Queensland's healthy and safe workplaces

Winners of the 2022 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards have been congratulated for their commitment to keeping Queenslanders healthy and safe at work or getting them back to work safely.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace today congratulated the 13 winners, chosen from 33 finalists and 93 overall entries, who received their awards at a gala event in Brisbane with Queensland Safety Ambassador Shane Webcke.

Ms Grace said all finalists were examples of Queensland businesses and individuals who have gone the extra mile to help make workplaces safer and to support workers in their rehabilitation following a work-related injury.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s highest priority is the health and safety of Queenslanders at work, because every worker deserves to return home to their family at the end of every shift,” Ms Grace said.

“This year’s winners have shown excellence in making their workplaces healthy and safe for employees.

“It’s great to see people coming up with new and better ways to make our workplaces physically and mentally safer, healthier and more resilient.

“I thank them all for their commitment to making our workplaces safer and getting those who are injured back to work safely and quickly.”

More details on all the finalists’ entries are at WorkSafe.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact: Bryce Heaton 0434 575 237

2022 SAFE WORK AND RETURN TO WORK AWARD WINNERS:

Best solution to an identified work health and safety issue
Simon Kirkpatrick, Brisbane Motorway Services

Best individual contribution to work health and safety
Dr Arjun Chavan, Townsville University Hospital

Best solution to an identified electrical issue
Mark Smith, SET Maritime & Electrical

Most significant improvement to work health and safety performance
Black Hops Brewing Pty Ltd (small business)
Southern Cross Contractors Pty Ltd

Best commitment to work health and wellbeing
Australian Agricultural Company

Best demonstrated healthy and safe work design
K-Valve Systems Pty Ltd

Best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety
JBS Australia, Northern Division

Injured worker achievement award
Joanne House

Best rehabilitation and return to work management system
RGF Staffing APEJ

Best individual contribution to rehabilitation and return to work
Stephanie Walker, WorkCover Queensland

Best response to the COVID-19 pandemic in work health and safety
Community Enterprise Queensland (small business)
Sunwater