Inaugural Australian Workplace Health & Safety Awards Announced

The Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) has announced plans to create the Australian Workplace Health & Safety Awards (AWHSA), and is now accepting submissions.

The awards will provide national recognition to organisations and individuals who are demonstrating excellence and innovation in the field of Workplace Health & Safety.

The inaugural awards will be held on the 27th May 2020 at the Melbourne Convention Centre, and annually thereafter.

AIHS Chair Naomi Kemp said improving workplace safety in Australia was not just about calling out bad safety practices, but also about recognising good safety practices.

“Today, the ongoing human and financial cost of workplace injury, illness, disease and death is far beyond what is acceptable in an economically strong and developed country like Australia.”

“Much of this toll can be avoided with better workplace health and safety practices. To achieve change, not only do we need to call out and prosecute poor quality workplace health and safety, but we also need to celebrate those who are doing a great job and who serve as an example to others.”

Awards committee Chairperson Sarah-Jane Dunford reported that in 2020 a total of 12 awards will be co-presented by the Institute and other collaborating organisations who will be announced in the coming months.

“Together we will be shining a spotlight on great health and safety practices and acknowledging health and safety champions. This is an important initiative if we’re going to raise the bar in health and safety performance throughout the country.”

Organisations of all sizes are encouraged to nominate individuals or initiatives they believe are worthy of recognition. Nominations are now open and award details can be located here.