WorkSafe Awards showcase top performers in health and safety

The 2023 WorkSafe Awards served as a platform to showcase the incredible stories of resilience, innovation, and unwavering resolve from individuals and organisations across Victoria.

With an impressive turnout of over 350 attendees, last week's event celebrated outstanding achievements in workplace health and safety, as well as successful return-to-work initiatives that reduce ongoing risk for injured employees.

Across six award categories, eight deserving winners from various sectors, including healthcare, emergency services, agriculture, transport, and local government, were recognised for unwavering dedication to preventing work-related injuries and enhancing wellbeing of injured workers. Each finalist demonstrated practical approaches to managing workplace hazards, reflecting strong OHS leadership within their respective organisations.

Chief Executive Officer of WorkSafe, Joe Calafiore, expressed satisfaction in observing diverse approaches taken by businesses and workers to tackle health and safety concerns, along with efforts to strengthen OHS culture across multiple industries.

"It is wonderful to share stories of individuals who have made the journey back to work after injury, as well as those who have gone to great lengths to make workplaces safer," Mr Calafiore said. Recognising these efforts helps other organisations benchmark their own OHS performance and identify areas where risk reduction remains a priority.

These award-winning stories offer valuable lessons for professionals seeking to lower risk exposure, particularly those managing safety programs in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare settings. Organisations looking to strengthen their own systems can review resources such as a Work Health and Safety Manual or attend industry events like the Workplace Health and Safety Show to stay informed on best practice risk management.

For businesses preparing future nominations, staying updated through initiatives such as the 2027 workplace health and safety awards or reviewing prior recognition programs, including the 2024 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards, can provide useful guidance on what judges value most.

See full details here.