Queensland innovation leads the way in Safe Work Awards
An invention that could save thousands of rural workers from injury or death is just one of the workplace safety innovations that have been recognised in this year's Safe Work Awards.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie presented the winners with their awards at a ceremony in Brisbane last week. The winners were selected from a strong field of finalists that had representatives from the mining, transport, building and construction, engineering, health and other industries.
Mr Bleijie congratulated all the finalists for their commitment to improving workplace safety and for leading by example.
He paid special tribute to Queensland Rail for winning the Category 6 award for industry leadership in safety.
Dr Simon Blackwood of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland said the judges were also impressed by the SaferGate invention, which unlike a traditional cattle gate, swings away from the farmer or operator when an animal charges it, preventing injury or death. Simple, effective and capable of making life a lot better for thousands of rural workers in the future.
Dr Blackwood said it was encouraging to see that the winners and finalists represented a wide cross section of Queensland regions and Queensland businesses. He said the winners of the Safe Work Awards would go on to represent the state at the national awards next year. 2011 Queensland Safe Work Awards winners ENERGEX and the Australian Reinforcing Company each won awards at this year's national Safe Work Australia Awards in Canberra.
This year’s Queensland Safe Work Awards received 96 entries demonstrating innovation, leadership, and a commitment to making Queensland workplaces healthier and safer.
Safety Ambassador, Mal Meninga also congratulated this year’s winners and finalists who have all made an outstanding contribution to the future safety of Queenslanders.
The 2012 winners are:
Category 1 - Best workplace health and safety management system
Origin Alliance, Redbank.
Category 2 - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
SaferGate Group Pty Ltd, Brisbane.
Category 3 - Best workplace health and safety practices in a small business
Zemek Engineering Pty Ltd, Mackay.
Category 4 - Best individual contribution to workplace health and safety
Paul Gear, Gold Coast Water.
Category 5 - Best solution to an identified electrical safety issue
Queensland Rail National, Central Queensland Coal Network.
Category 6 - Zero Harm at Work Leadership Program award
Queensland Rail
For more information visit the Queensland Safe Work Awards web page or call the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline on 1300 369 915.
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