WorkSafe opens nominations for 2027 workplace health and safety awards

Nominations for the 2027 WorkSafe Awards have been opened by Victoria's workplace safety regulator, giving employers, staff and teams a way to showcase the initiatives protecting people on the job and speeding recovery after injury.

Key points at a glance

• Who can nominate: employers, employees and teams with proven safety improvements
• What is assessed: risk reduction, better health outcomes and return-to-work support
• Focus areas: original safety solutions, visible leadership and genuine care for injured people
• Closing dates: published on the regulator's website

What the 2027 awards recognise

WorkSafe says the awards will emphasise the importance of initiatives that lessen workplace risks and enhance the experiences of injured workers – acknowledging the employers, staff, and teams that have created original health and safety solutions, promoted a solid safety-first culture, and supported injured workers in their journey back to work.

• Original controls that lessen risk in high-hazard settings
• Systems, processes and technology lifting health outcomes on site
• Leadership building genuine care alongside clear accountability
• Practical assistance returning injured people to meaningful duties
• Programs embedding safety thinking into daily operations

Recognising excellence across the state

Cathy Henderson, the CEO of WorkSafe, said the awards offered a remarkable chance for Victorian employers and employees to demonstrate the initiatives they were undertaking to advance health and safety.

"Each year, the WorkSafe Awards recognise those who go above and beyond to protect the people in Victorian workplaces," Ms Henderson said.

"Whether through new technology, updated systems and processes, or even a can-do attitude – if you've taken steps to improve health and safety or return-to-work outcomes, we want to hear from you."

Why workplace recognition lifts standards

Programs like this shine a light on practical safety controls other organisations can adopt, from hazard reporting apps through to fatigue management plans. Sharing proven ideas raises benchmarks across industries and helps smaller businesses learn from larger operators without repeating costly mistakes.

Regulators consistently link visible leadership with lower injury rates. Guidance published by Safe Work Australia confirms consultation, risk assessment and clearly assigned duties remain the bedrock of every effective program – a point we unpack in our explainer on how safety duties are shared on site.

Documented procedures also make any nomination far easier to evidence. A current health and safety manual sets out policy, responsibility and review cycles at a glance, while industry gatherings such as the Workplace Health and Safety Show allow honest benchmarking against peers.

How to nominate for the 2027 Awards

With nominations now open, WorkSafe anticipates strong interest from construction, manufacturing and healthcare employers. Submissions are lodged online, where judging criteria plus supporting guidance are set out in full.

Nominations will close later in the year, so gather evidence early – incident data, before-and-after measures, photographs and candid feedback from your workforce all strengthen entries. Finalists are celebrated at a gala evening in Melbourne, with winners profiled as examples for others to follow.

Considering a submission? Revisit our coverage of earlier nomination rounds, then map your safety wins against the published criteria before lodging with WorkSafe.

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