WorkSafe accepting nominations for 2024 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards

WorkSafe is accepting nominations for the 2024 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards, with nominations now open for Western Australian workplaces demonstrating outstanding commitment to safety. This recognition programme highlights employers and teams whose practices set a benchmark for others across the state.

These awards aim to recognise and commend efforts made by Western Australian workplaces in promoting health and safety, including how they manage risk exposure for employees across diverse industries. Categories this year also acknowledge organisations tackling psychosocial hazards, reflecting a growing focus on mental wellbeing alongside physical risk management.

Award Categories and Structure

This year, there are a total of five award categories, with each category being honoured with two awards. This structure allows WorkSafe to celebrate a broader range of achievements, from small business initiatives through to large-scale risk reduction programmes.

Categories are expected to cover areas such as:

• Best solution to an identified risk or hazard
• Excellence in addressing psychosocial risk factors in the workplace
• Workplace health and safety innovation
• Contribution by an individual or team to improving safety outcomes
• Best small business initiative

Organisations elsewhere in Australia have introduced similar recognition schemes, underscoring how these awards contribute to a national culture of continuous improvement in workplace safety.

Key Dates for Nomination Submissions

The deadline for nominations is May 31st, giving eligible workplaces several weeks to prepare a strong submission. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October, held as part of Safe Work Month activities.

Businesses considering an entry may find it useful to review outcomes from previous years. Details on the finalists for the Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards 2024 reveal the calibre of submissions and offer insight into what judges look for when assessing nominations.

Why These Awards Matter

Recognition programmes like this one encourage employers to strengthen their approach to risk assessment, hazard identification, and employee welfare. Comparisons with earlier programmes, such as those detailed in coverage of WorkSafe WA's 2022 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards, show how nomination criteria continue evolving to reflect emerging workplace risk factors, including psychosocial concerns.

Robust documentation underpins many award-winning safety systems. Businesses seeking guidance on foundational safety documentation may benefit from reviewing a comprehensive Work Health and Safety Manual (WHSM) or a tailored WHS Policy template to formalise their commitments.

Next Steps for Nominees

Employers keen to enter should gather evidence of measurable safety improvements, staff engagement outcomes, and risk mitigation strategies well before the deadline. Attending industry events such as the Workplace Health and Safety Show can also provide valuable networking opportunities and fresh ideas ahead of submission.

See full details here.