2023 Work Well Awards celebrate Queensland's healthy and safe workplaces

• Nine Work Well Awards winners announced
• Awards recognise dedication to work health and safety
• Every worker deserves to return home to their family at the end of every shift

A total of nine individuals and organisations have been celebrated for their efforts keeping Queenslanders safe at today’s 2023 Work Well Awards.

The awards acknowledge those striving to achieve the highest health and safety and return to work standards at their workplaces and were presented by Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace and Queensland Mental Health Ambassador Hayley Lewis in Brisbane today.

Over 100 entries were received for the 2023 edition, and ultimately, nine standout winners were revealed through their extraordinary submissions.

This year’s winners include:

• A police officer returning to work after losing his sight in a motorbike accident;
• An initiative keeping workers safe around forklifts;
• And, a solution to improve safety engagement with contractors

The winners include companies from Maryborough and Townsville as well as the South-East, from the public and private sectors, and from large and small organisations.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace

“Safe Work Month is an important time of year for us all.

“The Work Well Awards are a key part of this and provide an opportunity for us to recognise the businesses and individuals who are making workplaces healthier, safer and more supportive.

“I thank all our finalists and award winners for their contribution towards our collective goal of inspiring Queenslanders to work well every day and helping those who are injured get back to work safely and quickly.

“Every worker deserves to return home to their family at the end of every shift and it’s great to showcase Queenslanders who have this at the heart of what they do.”

ENDS

Minister Grace media contact – Daniel Webb – 0438 401 078

OIR media contact – 0478 33 22 00

2023 Work Well Awards Winners

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

• Winner: Hyne Timber, Maryborough

Category two: Best individual contribution to work health and safety

• There were no finalists for this category.

Category three: Best solution to an identified electrical issue

• Winner: Protective Pty Ltd, Malaga WA*
• Finalist: QBuild, Department of Energy and Public Works, Brisbane

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

• Winner: Townsville City Council, Townsville
• Finalist: Ampcontrol Queensland, Mackay
• Finalist: Australian Agricultural Company, Newstead

Category five: Best commitment to work health and wellbeing

• Winner: Shine Lawyers, Brisbane
• Finalist: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Richlands
• Finalist: Noosa Shire Council, Tewantin
• Finalist: Shadforth, Forest Glen

Category six: Best demonstrated healthy and safe work design

• Winner: Monadelphous, Milton / Incitec Pivot Limited, Pinkenba
• Finalist: CC Group, Molendinar / Beavis and Bartels Group, Northgate / Master Plumbers Association Queensland, Brisbane

Category seven: Injured worker achievement awards

• Winner: John Kenworthy 
• Finalist: Katrina Christen
• Finalist: Aylin MacDonald
• Finalist: Nathan McKee

Category eight: Best rehabilitation and return to work management system

• Winner: Brisbane Catholic Education, Woolloongabba
• Finalist: BP Australia, Melbourne, Victoria*

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

• Winner: Lynne Brown, Queensland Police Service, Brisbane
• Finalist: Anita Bevis, WorkCover Queensland, Brisbane
• Finalist: Dominic Chalk, Endeavour Group, Bulimba
• Finalist: Anissa Rigby, Work Rehab, Paddington

Category ten: Best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety and return to work systems

• Winner: Melissa Cole, William Duncan State School, Highland Park
• Finalist: Collar Group, Brisbane

• Finalist: Protech, Springwood

*Queensland initiatives