Spotlight shines on Queensland safe work and return to work initiatives
Outstanding examples of safe work and return to work initiatives in Queensland have been celebrated at a gala luncheon in Brisbane.
Member for Greenslopes, Joe Kelly MP represented Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace at the 2018 Safe Work and Return to Work Awards.
“I congratulate this year’s winners who were selected from an outstanding pool of 35 finalists across 10 award categories,” Mr Kelly said.
“These awards aim to recognise and celebrate outstanding examples of organisations and individuals doing great things for Queensland when it comes to work health and safety, rehabilitation and return to work.
“I applaud all of this year’s finalists for their innovative workplace health and safety solutions and initiatives.
“For example, Rolleston based organisation, Christmas Creek Cattle Company took out two awards – the best solution to an identified work health and safety issue (small to medium business), as well as the best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety.
“And the best part is – they didn’t re-invent the wheel or come up with something needing thousands of dollars to develop.
“They thought outside the square to use existing culverts under the road to safely move livestock from one property to another, avoiding dangerous highway crossings.
“All they needed was permission, some fencing and a few extra gates – and that’s a prime example of Queenslanders working smarter to improve safety.”
Mr Kelly was joined by Queensland safety ambassador Shane Webcke to present the winners with plaques and prize money at the Royal International Convention Centre.
“Another standout winner for me, was Katherine Fenech, who received the 2018 injured worker achievement award,” he said.
“Katherine is a paramedic based in Cairns, who is back on the job after a fall led to serious injuries, multiple surgeries, endless physiotherapy and a hard road to recovery.
“Also, Kelly Services’ Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Manager Timothy Gallagher received two awards – for the best individual contribution to rehabilitation and return to work as well as the best demonstrated leadership in return to work.
“Tim has established a preferred medical supplier network, which gets injured workers back on the job significantly quicker as the providers understand what suitable duties are available.”
A full list of this year’s winners can be found below. For more information about the Safe Work and Return to Work Awards visit worksafe.qld.gov.au.
2018 Safe Work and Return to Work Award Winners
Best solution to an identified work health and safety issue
Small to medium business – Christmas Creek Cattle Company (Rolleston)
Large business – John Holland Pty Ltd (Fortitude Valley)
Best individual contribution to work health and safety
Laurel Johnson – Simonds Homes Pty Ltd (Qld)
Best solution to an identified electrical safety issue
P.T. Automation Solutions (Nerang)
Most significant improvement to work health and safety performance
Gateway Motorway Services (Murarrie)
Best workplace health and wellbeing initiative
Small to medium business – Bama Services (Bungalow)
Large business – Scentre Group Design and Construction (Upper Coomera)
Best demonstrated leadership in work health and safety
Christmas Creek Cattle Company (Rolleston)
Injured worker achievement awards
Katherine Fenech (Cairns)
Best rehabilitation and return to work management system
SEE Civil Pty Ltd (Helensvale)
Best individual contribution to rehabilitation and return to work
Timothy Gallagher – Kelly Services (Brisbane)
Best demonstrated leadership in return to work
Timothy Gallagher – Kelly Services (Brisbane)
