May 2005

WorkSafe calls on health services to showcase initiatives

Health workers have been challenged to strut their stuff at this year’s prestigious WorkSafe Victoria Awards.

The challenge was issued by Rural Northwest Health (RNH), a finalist last year in the State’s premier workplace health and safety recognition scheme.

RNH Occupational Health and Safety Committee was recognised in the Health and Safety Committee of the Year category for its efforts to improve reporting and management of issues as they arise.

‘We were proud to be named a finalist last year for ourselves but also for all Warracknabeal people, many of whom have shown leadership in health and safety in the past without seeking recognition,’ committee member Julie Mills said.

‘Now is the time for health workers to enter the awards and continue to show the whole state how innovative our industry is.’

Ms Mills said RNH entered the awards because it believed it had developed a strong record of addressing and resolving a number of issues, such as traffic management, tree maintenance, workshop safety and general hazard reporting.

‘Being one of the four finalists in our category was very positive news for all employees.

‘The recognition indicated that we were achieving outcomes within the OHS Committee.

‘Even though there are only a small number of employees on the OHS Committee, every employee in the health service could be justifiably proud of being a finalist.

‘They all contribute to improved OHS in various ways and improve the safety for patients, residents, clients, members of the community and their fellow workers.’

Entries for the 2005 WorkSafe Victoria Awards close on May 20.

WorkSafe Executive Director John Merritt said the awards celebrated innovative health and safety measures that reduced risks in the workplace and had the potential to benefit the whole community.

‘Being named a WorkSafe Victoria Awards finalist acknowledges the dedication of groups or individuals, provides a boost for staff and enhances the reputation of an organisation,’ Mr Merritt said.

‘This year WorkSafe is particularly keen to receive entries in the categories of Health and Safety Representative of the Year, Health and Safety Committee of the Year and Small Business.

‘The awards for health and safety representatives and committees recognise the vital role played by health and safety representatives in workplace improvements and what can be achieved when employees and employers work in partnership.

‘Victoria’s many innovative small businesses deserve recognition for the new and better ways they have developed to improve their health and safety.’

Mr Merritt said workplace safety was all about prevention rather than cure.

• For more information and entry forms visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au or contact Terry Crosby on 9641 1365.