2025 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards winners and finalists

Innovative Mining Services – Automated Kelly filter press wash system

The Automated Kelly filter press wash system is a world-first semi-automated innovation that enhances safety and efficiency in cleaning filter presses used in alumina processing. It eliminates confined space work and resolves ergonomic challenges.

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Westralian Diamond Drillers – Mud trailer

Westralian Diamond Drillers has transformed a high-risk task in exploration drilling with its Mud Trailer—a towable unit that removes over 90% of the manual handling in mixing and transporting drilling fluids. Previously, crews faced heavy lifting and injury risks. Since its rollout, no mud mixing setup injuries have occurred.

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• Alevro – Pluto train
• Innovative Mining Services – Automated Kelly filter press wash system
• Portman Industries Pty Ltd – BenStop GP20/40 container door brace
• Westralian Diamond Drillers – Mud trailer

South 32 Worsley Alumina – Cage mill lifting jig

Handling a 3.6-tonne Cage Mill Rotor involved multi-stage movement, posing risks like uncontrolled movement, equipment collapse, and rotation hazards. To address this, South 32 fabricated a bespoke lifting jig that engages the rotor’s internal bars, enabling safe lift and tilt. It includes a mechanical lock to prevent rotation and movement – even during hydraulic failure.

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• Austal Ships – Temporary hatches
• South 32 Worsley Alumina – Cage mill lifting jig
• South 32 Worsley Alumina – CSEP satellite box system

FSC Civils – Safe Assign (Byford Rail Extension)

Safe Assign is FSC Civils’ task allocation system that matches worker capability with task risk. Introduced during the METRONET Byford Rail Extension, it categorises workers by experience to ensure high-risk crews are properly supported.

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The Simple Safety Company – Simple Safety app

The free Simple Safety App was created by an employee passionate about improving agricultural safety. It provides easy access to tools like checklists and forms for individuals and organisations.

• FSC Civils – Safe Assign (Byford Rail Extension)
• Strapsense – Strapsense Buddy
• The Simple Safety Company – Simple Safety app

South 32 Worsley Alumina – Integrated overhead protection solutions for refractory maintenance operation

Refractory maintenance involves risks like falling objects, thermal debris, heights, and confined spaces. To improve safety, the Major Shutdowns teams developed an Overhead Protection system using modular panels, inflatable balloons, and cyclone-specific designs. It eliminates falling object risks, removes the need for working at heights, saves 8-12 hours per maintenance event, and reduces scaffold costs.

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• Curtin University – Transforming permit to work into a real-time Z30
• Fenner Conveyors – Dampier Point
• Fortescue – Remote controlled foremost DR24HDi water well drill rig
• Fortescue – Safety Mate
• Rio Tinto – Remote and lone worker risk reduction
• South 32 Worsley Alumina – Brokk refractory removal
• South 32 Worsley Alumina – Integrated overhead protection solutions for refractory maintenance operation
• Toll Transport Pty Ltd – Fire suppression system

The Bethanie Group Inc – Reducing workplace violence and aggression in aged care through environmental redesign

An environmental risk assessment at Bethanie Fields Aged Care Home revealed the design did not meet best practice for dementia care. A trial split the Memory Support Area into two calmer units, with minor redesigns including a new dining area and better outdoor access. The changes improved resident care, reduced workplace violence and aggression, and boosted staff engagement. This approach is now being adopted at other Bethanie sites.

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• FSC Civils – Stronger Together program (Byford Rail Extension)
• PCH Civil – Green Shirt Sunday sessions
• Mallard Contracting Pty Ltd – Inclusivity and diversity program
• City of Bayswater – Culture of care: Psychosocial management framework and systems
• IGO Limited – I-GO Well
• Talison Lithium – Wellbeing team initiative
• The Bethanie Group Inc – Reducing workplace violence and aggression in aged care through environmental redesign

FSC Civils – Integrated initiatives (Byford Rail Extension)

FSC Civils has transformed its safety culture through a range of integrated workforce-led initiatives like the Safe Together leadership framework and Safe Assign, which cut incidents by 60%. Programs such as Safe Start and Safe Talk enhance hazard awareness and mental health support. The Stronger Together mental health campaign trained over 100 employees and is an effective psychosocial hazard control, helping to reduce stigma and promote open conversations around mental health. These efforts earned ISO recertifications and industry recognition, fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Williams Electrical Service Pty Ltd – A vision for future electricians

Williams Electrical Service has launched a program to support apprentices and electricians with colour vision deficiency, offering specialised training, mentorship, and practical tools like shape/number lapels, high-lumen headlamps, and colour-correcting aids enabling colour-blind workers to accurately identify wires and components. The initiative promotes a safer, more inclusive, and efficient workplace for all in the electrical trade.

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• Christmas Island Phosphates – Connections program
• Deanmore Primary School – We Are Team Deanmore
• FSC Civils – Integrated initiatives (Byford Rail Extension)
• On Tap Services Pty Ltd – Challenging complacency: Embedding safety through leadership, culture, and critical risk control
• Williams Electrical Service Pty Ltd – A vision for future electricians

Josh Singleton – Emerald Resources

Josh’s dedication and leadership have transformed safety culture at Emerald Resources. He introduced an educational package to clarify key safety terms and a WhatsApp-based reporting system, boosting confidence in reporting and cutting incidents by 20% in six months. His mentorship program pairs new staff with experienced workers, promoting safety from day one and creating a supportive environment.

Watch the Winner’s Interview

• Thomas Clifford – South 32
• Michael Eppen – St John WA
• Aaron Green – Westrac
• Aaron Heslewood – South 32
• Dijana Miloseki – City of Stirling
• Josh Singleton – Emerald Resources