2021 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards winners and finalists

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This year 56 submissions were received with 30 companies recognised as finalists.  Seven finalists were recognised with a winner’s trophy and four finalists received a certificate of merit. 

The Department would like to congratulate the Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards winners and finalists. 

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Work health and safety invention of the year

BHP, Ausdrill, Autorun and Sitech

BHP in partnership with Ausdrill, Autorun and Sitech – Automated sampling rock commander

BHP collaborated with Ausdrill to develop Rock Commander Drill Rigs.  The drill rigs use an automated sampling system to streamline the drilling process.  The process can now be performed by one worker from a pressure-sealed air-conditioned cab, eliminating weather, dust, noise, uneven terrain and manual handing hazards.

  • St John of God Subiaco Hospital – The SoterShoulder
  • BHP – Dash tools – By BHP
  • BHP in partnership with Ausdrill, Sitech and Autorun – Automated sampling rock commander
  • Heat Trap Solar Pty Ltd – Safety shower recirculation technology
  • St John of God Subiaco Hospital – The SoterShoulder
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Best solution to a work health and safety risk

199 employees or less
AMCAP Distribution Centre

AMCAP Distribution Centre – Safer delivery of maintenance parts through integrated kitting solutions

AMCAP has identified and implemented a safer way to deliver maintenance and service kits for heavy mobile equipment.  The innovative packaging and storage of heavy mobile equipment maintenance kits improves workflow and reduces or eliminates hazards.

  • AMCAP Distribution Centre – Safer delivery of maintenance parts through integrated kitting solutions
  • AngloGold Ashanti Australia – Hydraulic belt feeder retraction system
  • Metso Outotec – Erectable work platform
  • Monadelphous – SPMT Davit Arm
  • Q H & M Birt – Mitigating speed related mobile plant incidents
  • Rio Tinto – Reducing WHS exposure risks with IoT technology
  • Rio Tinto Iron Ore in partnership with Otracto and United Forklift and Access Solutions – Tyre handler safety solution
  • Work Management Solutions – WMSHealth app – Managing potential exposure and transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace
200 employees or more
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Metso Outotec – Erectable work platform

Metso Outotec dedicated three years to the development of an erectable work platform and dedicated ladder access.  There is significant reduction in fall hazards when accessing the mill, and falls are eliminated by permanent guard rails inside the mill.

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Best workplace health and wellbeing initiative

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AECOM Australia Pty Ltd – Wellbeing at AECOM

AECOM has implemented a proactive approach to wellbeing to prevent and manage psychosocial risks to the workplace.  A wellbeing champions network has been established to guide and implement wellbeing initiatives through staff and management engagement. 

Mineral Resources Ltd – PCR COVID-19 screening program

  • AECOM Australia Pty Ltd – Wellbeing at AECOM
  • Byrnecut – SAFE 360º
  • Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) – Wellbeing approach at CAHS – Encompassing the 5 pillars of health and 5 ways of wellbeing
  • CITIC Pacific Mining – SinoStory podcast series
  • City of Rockingham – Introduction of targeted mental health support
  • Mineral Resources Ltd – PCR COVID-19 screening program
  • Woodside Energy Ltd – Wellbeing initiative to support people, protect mental health and promote wellbeing
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Leadership excellence award

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Chandler Macleod – We are all Safety Leaders: Merger of two historic Australian recruitment organisations

Chander Macleod Group shifted its approach to safety and recognised that, as a recruitment business, it had the ability to impact the behaviour of its workers, and influence clients and their workplaces.

  • Breight Group – Breight Education Training Centre
  • Chandler Macleod – We are all Safety Leaders: Merger of two historic Australian recruitment organisations
  • Clough – Major Accident Prevention (MAP) Program
  • Fastbrick Robotics (FBR)– FBR Hadrian X – Robotic bricklayer
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Health and safety representative of the year

Winners with the WorkSafe Commissioner
  • Bruce Atkinson – Department of Education

Bruce Atkinson takes a proactive and well-balanced approach to safety by encouraging his colleagues at Mt Lawley Senior High School to take responsibility for their safety.  He has made significant improvements to safety such as reducing the quantity of hazardous substances stored in the gardeners’ shed, and holding mock site inspections for new safety and health representatives.

  • Naomi Elbrow – Woodside Energy Ltd

Naomi Elbrow is a team player, mentor and coach and she is a passionate safety and health representative.  Her colleagues trust her to advocate on their behalf, escalate unresolved issues through the risk register and give feedback on the issue’s progress.  She is proactive in her approach to safety and her commitment to resolving safety issues is valued by her peers.

  • Aaron Bailey – Perth Airport
  • Garry Bronca – Kimberley Ports Authority
  • Owen Ash – South32
  • Bruce Atkinson – Department of Education
  • Aaron Bailey – Perth Airport
  • Garry Barnes – Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC)
  • Kurt Bauer – City of Rockingham
  • Garry Bronca – Kimberley Ports Authority
  • Naomi Elbrow – Woodside Energy Ltd

Event gallery

Download the 2021 awards booklet