The Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards were held at the State Reception Centre on 28 October 2022.
These award recognise outstanding solutions and innovations to specific workplace health and safety problems in Western Australia.
This year 71 submissions were received with 36 companies recognised as finalists. Eight finalists were recognised with a winner’s trophy and seven finalists received a certificate of merit.
Heat Trap Solutions Pty Ltd – Water cooled heat stress vests
Heat Trap Solutions Pty Ltd, in conjunction with FMG, developed a small compact cooler to provide chilled water to water cooled vests. The water cooled vest is worn under protective clothing, and the water flow can be varied to suit individuals with different metabolic rates and activity levels.
Work health and safety invention of the year – 199 employees or less – Heat Trap Solutions, by Department of Mines, Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety – Worksafe
BHP – Thermal lance feeder
The crushers of ground engaging tools (GETs) are regularly jammed by debris. Typically the methods require workers to be close to the crusher to release the stuck object. BHP developed an innovative technological solution to minimise hazards.
Rio Tinto and Weir ESCO – GET handling and changing project
Nexxis – Magneto
Nexxis has developed Magneto, an autonomous robotic crawler that uses dexterity and manipulation to traverse complex terrains. The spider-like, climbing inspection robot can navigate hazardous and confined space inspections without a human operator.
GCG Health Safety and Hygiene – Real-time monitoring (RTM) app
Monadelphous – Ergonomic poly weld stands
Positioning high-density polyethylene welding stands requires significant manual handling, putting workers at risk of sprain and strain injuries. Monadelphous developed a towable sled and front stand with wheels to reduce manual handling by over 50%.
Lifeline WA – Resourceful mind
Lifeline WA partnered with the Chamber of Minerals and Energy to co-design Resourceful mind, a peer support initiative designed and customised for the resources sector. The program provides mental health training for line managers, addresses mental health stigma, and increases workers’ mental health literacy.
City of Rockingham – CORE wellness
The City of Rockingham developed the City of Rockingham Employee (CORE) wellness program, a targeted approach to identify and minimise the risks of psychosocial hazards in the workplace. The program includes resources and training, with a focus on managing psychosocial hazards, mental health and general wellbeing.
Al-Ameen College – Work health and safety campaign
Al-Ameen College embarked on a work health and safety campaign resulting in improved workers wellbeing and a reduction of incidents. In addition to establishing a WHS policy and committee, the College developed a mental health policy to support workers, promote mental wellbeing and train managers to proactively identify workplace issues.
BHP – Taxonomy program
Tony Booth – Cecil Andrews College
Tony has driven numerous WHS improvements throughout Cecil Andrews College and has implemented concussion testing for students with head injuries and upgraded first aid facilities and equipment. In addition, Tony audited chemical use and reduced the number of chemicals used by cleaning staff, established a safety procedure for sausage sizzles and repainted the canteen floor in non-slip paint.
