2006 Workplace Safe Awards - Winners and Finalists
Overall Winner of the 2006 Workplace Safe Awards:
Works Infrastructure, Austins Ferry
Pictured with Steven Kons MHA (centre), Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations are (L to R) Jon Foulston, Lauren Jago, Shane Gregory and Stephanus Vermaak of Works Infrastructure Pty Ltd
Works Infrastructure conducts road construction and maintenance, waste management and forestry operations. It employs 114 people.
Works Infrastructure developed an integrated OHS management system that clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of all workers. It also ensures hazards are identified and assessed and control measures are implemented to remove or reduce the risk of injury to workers and members of the public.
This system has the potential for broader application across the industry and has resulted in improved OHS, including the growth of a strong safety culture.
Winner: Best workplace health and safety management system
Works Infrastructure, Austins Ferry
(L to R) Shane Gregory with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Works Infrastructure conducts road construction and maintenance, waste management and forestry operations. It employs 114 people.
Works Infrastructure developed an integrated OHS management system that clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of all workers. It also ensures hazards are identified and assessed and control measures are implemented to remove or reduce the risk of injury to workers and members of the public.
This system has the potential for broader application across the industry and has resulted in improved OHS, including the growth of a strong safety culture.
Finalist - Best workplace health and safety management system
Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Hobart
Katrina Sage with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
The Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment is the Government’s lead agency responsible for managing and promoting Tasmania’s natural, Aboriginal, historic and cultural assets. It employs 900 people.
The Department implemented an OHS management system after a need for a consistent, statewide approach was identified. The system provides an effective and practical approach to managing safety through minimising the risk of injury and providing safe systems of work.
Over a three year period, the Department reduced workers compensation injury costs by an average of 61 per cent. Injury costs for the 2005–2006 financial year show an 82 per cent reduction compared to 2002–2003.
Finalist - Best workplace health and safety management system
Hazell Bros Group, Derwent Park
(L to R) Tony Cook with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Hazell Bros Group is a diverse organisation performing roles in civil contracting, transport, vegetation management and forestry. It employs 360 people.
Hazell Bros Group developed and implemented a Group Management System, which outlines safe systems of work; appropriate supervision, instruction and information; and workers duties. The Group Management System is regularly reviewed by the Steering Committee, Review Committee and workers.
The organisation’s workers compensation premiums have significantly reduced over recent years, which is testament to a successful and practical OHS management system.
Finalist - Best workplace health and safety management system
Skretting, Cambridge
(L to R) Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations presents the award to James Rose
Skretting is an aquaculture feed manufacturer. It employs 41 people.
Over the past six years, Skretting has implemented an OHS management system to improve workplace standards. The key focus of the plan was engendering a sense of ownership of OHS issues among workers.
Implementing an electronic hazards reporting and tracking system has ensured that workers can monitor progress and see a successful and timely outcome.
Skretting has now reduced its workers compensation premium to only 50 per cent of the industry average.
Winner: Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Australian Paper Tasmania, Wesley Vale
Australian Paper representatives, (L to R) (Back) Robert Van Tholen, Kate Smith, Matthew Stephenson, Bob Clarke, Colin Pearce and (Front) Paula Hinds, Russell Frankcombe, Ted Jordan
Australian Paper manufactures pulp and paper products at two mills in Tasmania. It employs over 500 people and has relationships with over 140 contractors.
Australian Paper developed a Cutters Rejects Baling System eliminating three high risk manual handling tasks that previously required operators to remove paper blockages, work in confined conditions and manually lift heavy reels of paper. The new, fully automated process removes these hazards and uses belt conveyors to transfer the rejected paper to a baler feed conveyor for baling.
Before implementing the automated baling system, over $100,000 was paid in workers compensation claims for injuries sustained directly from tasks now eliminated. As a result, financial savings of over $150,000 are predicted.
Highly commended - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Bee Bright, Scottsdale
(L to R) Sue Cassidy and Kylie Groves with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Bee Bright produces and distributes bright and reflective apparel for children. It employs two people.
After a frightening near-miss involving a three year old and a tractor on one of the business’ family farms, Bee Bright decided to produce a line of high-visibility clothing for children. The high rate of serious child injuries and deaths are a great concern; Bee Bright decided one way to combat this problem is to make children more visible, in the hope of avoiding such accidents.
Bee Bright has received an overwhelming positive response to its products and hope that by making children more visible, especially in dangerous environments, it will make them safer.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Civic Solutions, Hobart
(L to R) Mike Smith with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Civic Solutions is the outdoor workforce of the Hobart City Council. It employs around 20 people.
Civic Solutions identified a muscle strain hazard while drilling holes in concrete roadways and inserting dowels. A risk assessment was conducted and a fixture which held the drill in a horizontal position was designed. The new design meant the operator could drill holes while standing in an upright position, thus avoiding serious back injuries and muscle strain from bending over and operating the heavy drill in a confined area.
There have been no recorded incidents or accidents from operating the electric drill while drilling into concrete since the design of the drill fixture.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Country Club Tasmania, Launceston
Hannah Eddy (L) and Melanie Jordan (R) with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Country Club Tasmania is a hotel and casino located in Launceston. It employs 480 people.
Country Club Tasmania recently completed a full reconstruction of its loading bay area after several safety issues that had the potential to cause serious manual handling injuries were identified.
The reconstruction has led to a considerable reduction in the previous potentially high risk of injury, and workers have reported significant improvements in the way work is carried out. A significant increase in efficiency has also been reported.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Degree C Pty Ltd, Devonport
(L to R) Tim Smith with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Degree C provides refrigeration, air conditioning and mechanical services. It employs 120 people.
Degree C identified a high-risk task in carrying out mechanical modifications to the top of three 50,000 litre hexane storage tanks for Botanical Resources of Australia. A strict risk assessment process was developed and controls and procedures were put in place.
The greatest concern was explosion and fire from heat contact being made with the hexane whilst undertaking the modification work. But due to the tight controls imposed and strictly adhered to, the job was completed successfully without a single incident.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Hobart
(L to R) Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations presents the award to Adrian Pyrke
The Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment is the Government’s lead agency responsible for managing and promoting Tasmania’s natural, Aboriginal, historic and cultural assets. It employs 900 people.
The Department’s Parks and Wildlife service designed an aluminum slip-on fire tanker unit, which allows workers to operate it from the ground, eliminating the need to climb onto the vehicle; thus reducing the risk of injury. The old fiberglass fire tanker units posed significant hazards due to workers having to climb on and off vehicles to access and operate.
The most significant improvement has been reducing the level of risk of injury from significant to low.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Norske Skog, New Norfolk
(L to R) Nick Collins with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Norske Skog is a newsprint manufacturer. It employs 280 people.
Norske Skog identified an OHS issue in the potential risk of workers developing heat stress and related injuries when working in hot environments. Some work areas at the mill average over 50 degrees Celsius with 100 per cent humidity.
A formal risk assessment was conducted with a number of solutions implemented, including cool vests, personal heat stress monitors, environment testing equipment, medical assessments for workers, and specific policies and procedures.
The overall result eliminated heat stress-related injuries without adversely impacting on the mill’s operations.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Scaffold Services Tasmania Pty Ltd, Wesley Vale
(L to R) Rob Dowling with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Scaffold Services Tasmania co-ordinates the contracting of labour and scaffolding hire on commercial and domestic construction sites. It employs 10 people.
When contracted to perform a project that involved painting road bridge steelwork, Scaffold Services found a number of OHS issues surrounding the existing hung scaffold that was fully installed out of tube and clip scaffolding and ladder beams.
As a result, Scaffold Services Tasmania designed a new system called the hung transom beam bridge scaffold, which is safer to use, install and dismantle.
Since the new system was developed, there have been no reported incidents or injuries and workers are pleased by the less hands-on approach.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Tasmanian Alkaloids Pty Ltd, Westbury
Doug Blackaby (L) and Andrew McGowan (R) with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Tasmanian Alkaloids is a fully integrated manufacturer of medicinal opiates. It employs 200 people.
Tasmanian Alkaloids identified an issue around machine guarding and developed a program to ensure high levels of protection for all workers.
The program ensures machine guarding risk assessments are conducted and control measures implemented and uses an innovative assessment tool that represents an arm, hand and fingers. If, during the assessment, any part of the tool can touch rotating parts of the machinery, a non-compliant rating is given and an upgrade initiated.
Since introducing the program, no injuries have occurred from exposure to rotating parts of machinery.
Finalist - Best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue
Zinifex Hobart Smelter, Lutana
Glenn Poynter (L) and Craig Jetson (R) with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Zinifex Hobart Smelter is a zinc smelter that converts zinc concentrate into zinc metal. It employs 550 people.
Zinifex Hobart Smelter introduced two new automated machines to remove the manual handling and associated OHS risks of stacking ingots. While stacking the plant’s larger ingots is fully automated, until earlier this year, all 9.5 kilogram ingots were stacked by hand. This required workers to stack an average of 3,700 ingots over a 12 hour shift, and often resulted in finger, hand and back injuries.
Since introducing the automated ingot stacking and strapping machines, no injuries have been reported relating to the manual handling of ingots.
Winner : Best workplace health and safety practices in small business
Scaffold Services Tasmania, Wesley Vale
Deborah Stafford with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Scaffold Services Tasmania co-ordinates the contracting of labour and scaffolding hire on commercial and domestic construction sites. It employs 10 people.
Since the organisation began operations in 2004, it has had to adapt to numerous changing requirements, including the need to hire more workers. Problems were identified as new workers were unaware of safety procedures and at high risk of injury.
Scaffold Services Tasmania developed a safety induction that covers all standards, guidelines and expectations to working safely. The induction is revisited by all workers every six months.
The induction process has resulted in reduced injuries, higher OHS awareness and better quality scaffolds being built.
Finalist - Best workplace health and safety practices in small business
D&L Morrison Machinery Spares Pty Ltd, St Leonards
(L to R) David Morrison with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
D&L Morrison Machinery Spares is a machinery dealership and mechanical repairs company. It employs 12 people.
In 2001, D&L Morrison Machinery Spares designed and manufactured a hydraulic saw called the Hydra Saw.
In 2005, an accident occurred in Tasmania with another organisation’s hydraulic saw, which provided D&L Morrison Machinery Spares with more information about the danger of chainshot amongst hydraulic saws.
With this new information, D&L Morrison Machinery Spares made several design modifications to its Hydra Saw, provided further training to employers and operators, and wrote a Hydra Saw Operation and Maintenance Manual.
Extensive field testing has proved the effectiveness of the new design, and no incidents of chainshot have occurred since April 2005.
Highly commended: Public sector leadership award for injury prevention and management
Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Hobart
Katrina Sage with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
The Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment is the Government’s lead agency responsible for managing and promoting Tasmania’s natural, Aboriginal, historic and cultural assets. It employs 900 people.
The Department’s OHS management system is based on demonstrated leadership, co-operation and information sharing. Its risk assessment process has demonstrated a commitment to leadership in effectively reducing the incidence of injuries.
The Department has also shared its experience and knowledge across the State Government and other organisations, demonstrating its strong commitment to preventing injuries.
Winner: Best individual contribution to workplace health and safety
Brian Hoare, Tasmanian Alkaloids Pty Ltd, Westbury
Brian Hoare with his award
Tasmanian Alkaloids is a fully integrated manufacturer of medicinal opiates. It employs 200 people.
Tasmanian Alkaloids Laboratory Chemist Brian Hoare has provided leadership and direction and has been instrumental in delivering innovative and practical solutions to safety hazards, particularly in the laboratory environment.
He has worked tirelessly researching control measures for Tasmanian Alkaloids safety issues and has communicated with national experts to find the best safety solutions. The best measurement of the success of Brian’s work was the adoption of some of his initiated controls and ideas statewide.
Winner: Best return-to-work program
Central Coast Council, Ulverstone
(L to R) Tony King, Billy Dougan and Robert Bourke with their awards
Central Coast Council provides local government services to the central coast area. It employs 170 people.
Central Coast Council implemented an early return-to-work program in which all parties work towards a shared goal of early and safe return-to-work. The program provides support to workers in their recovery from injury or illness, by providing temporary or modified assignments that enable the worker to be productive while also meeting medical guidelines.
The Council has employed a return-to-work co-ordinator who ensures the process is successful and works in all areas within Council to identify various work stations available in the event a worker needs to be placed in another work section.
By adopting this proactive process, the Council reduces the amount of absence and resulting impact, to both the worker and Council due to injury or illness.
Finalist- Best return-to-work program
Country Club Tasmania, Launceston
Hannah Eddy (L) and Maria Chan (R) with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Country Club Tasmania is a hotel and casino located in Launceston. It employs 480 workers.
Over the past three years, Country Club Tasmania has progressively implemented various rehabilitation and return-to-work processes targeted at developing the workplace culture into one that supports and encourages effective rehabilitation within the workplace. An ongoing review and assessment mechanism has been inbuilt into the program to ensure it consistently meets the needs of everyone involved.
This has resulted in zero workers compensation claims within the past financial year.
Winner: Best ‘new worker’ program
Comalco Aluminum (Bell Bay) Limited, Bell Bay
(L to R) Therese Doyle, Damon Burke, Lynn Halaby, Michael Halaby, Andrew Flanagan, Tania Flanagan, Matt Challis, Jillian Youd, Dale Youd and Jason Franklin
Comalco Bell Bay Ltd owns and operates an aluminum smelter. It directly employs 550 people and has approximately 100 contractors working on site on any one day.
All new workers at Comalco Aluminum are met by the General Manager on their first day and given the authority to stop work if they feel it is unsafe and to raise any issues with their immediate leader to discuss alternative methods to perform the work. New workers are also trained in the TAKE 5 program, which is a simple tool for identifying, assessing and controlling hazards.
Since 2001, the site has not recorded one Lost Time Injury involving a new worker in their first six months of employment. The program has also contributed to a significant drop in injuries and incidents at Comalco Aluminum.
Finalist- Best ‘new worker’ program
Dowling’s Onsite Engineering Pty Ltd, Wesley Vale
Karen Bell with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Dowling’s Onsite Engineering specialises in steel fabrication, steel erection, rigging, labour hire and crane work. It employs 18 people.
All new workers, including contractors, are required to undergo a Dowling’s safety induction upon employment. Hazard identification, job safety and environment analyses, site inspection check lists and toolbox meeting procedures are all documented in the induction manual which must be read prior to beginning work. Workers are also provided with a copy of the Welcome to the Workplace Kit, which further outlines roles and requirements.
Dowling’s Onsite Engineering’s new worker program has increased worker awareness about safety and reduced the number of injuries.
Finalist- Best ‘new worker’ program
Tasmanian Alkaloids Pty Ltd, Westbury
David Chambers (L) and Colin Ralph (R) with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Tasmanian Alkaloids is a fully integrated manufacturer of medicinal opiates. It employs 200 people.
Tasmanian Alkaloids developed a policy to formally train all new workers. Without this training, no new workers are permitted to work or enter the site unsupervised. Other features of the new worker program include a database that tracks the training and knowledge of workers, a mentoring program, a permit to work and general site induction.
A 70 per cent reduction in injuries between 2001 and 2005 indicates the success of the program.
Joint winner: Best workplace health and wellbeing program
Qantas Hobart Contact Centre, Hobart
(L to R) Adrian McMullen, Maree Edwards, Tracey Watkins, Penny Paton, Brett Martin and Robyn Elms-Hankin
Qantas Hobart Contact Centre is the reservations call centre for Qantas Airways Limited. It employs 500 people.
A comprehensive survey of 300 workers at the Qantas Hobart Contact Centre indicated that a large number of workers were at risk due to lifestyle habits such as poor diet and nutrition, lack of exercise and smoking.
In response to these findings, a strategic plan was created to promote a healthier workforce. Some of the initiatives included providing healthier food in vending and snack machines; engaging a healthy options lunch stand; organising visits from local gyms; and funding a quit smoking campaign. A walking track was also established on site; free influenza vaccinations are offered; and workers are encouraged to take part in weekend bushwalks and local fun runs.
Results have included a 10 per cent decrease in people smoking, an increase in workplace morale, an increased participation in regular physical activity, and a 50 per cent decrease in Lost Time Injury frequency rate.
Joint winner: Best workplace health and wellbeing program
Zinifex Rosebery Mine, Rosebery
(L to R) Andrew Borisey, Sarah Bell, Jason Orrick, Allan Dickens, Kara Bonney, Richard Kinnane and Dr Tim Stewart
The Zinifex Rosebery Mine produces zinc, lead and copper concentrates. It employs 200 workers.
The Mine recognised the importance of having healthy workers in order to ensure efficiency, minimise injuries and maintain morale in their predominately ageing male workforce. Following worker health assessments (done every two years) and an independent safety survey, it was found that workers wanted more information on health issues.
A voluntary wellness program was developed to provide workers with group and private health information sessions relating to issues such as diabetes, prostate cancer, mental health and stress management. An on-site gym also encourages a healthy lifestyle.
In the eight months since its inception, 35 per cent of Zinifex Rosebery Mine workers have joined the voluntary program, muscular-skeletal injuries have decreased, and unplanned absences have dropped by 50 per cent.
Finalist- Best workplace health and wellbeing program
Norske Skog, New Norfolk
Michelle Brooks (L) and Amanda Coombe (R) with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Norske Skog is a newsprint manufacturer. It employs 280 people.
The company was motivated to implement a health and wellbeing program due to increased injuries, ageing health issues and the increase in market competition requiring a more efficient team.
The program provides workers with pedometers, calorie counters and personal training for those in the “at risk” category. It was also arranged for day shift workers to continue the program on their days off at an off-site gym to overcome their attendance disadvantage.
The success of the program after 12 months of operation has been measured by an almost 50 per cent reduction in injuries and a drop in workers compensation claims, which resulted in a significant premium refund for the company. 45 per cent of participants also lost between four and eight kilograms in body weight.
Finalist- Best workplace health and wellbeing program
Transend Networks Pty Ltd, Lenah Valley
Brett Cornelius (L) and Vanessa Gordon (R) with Steven Kons MHA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations
Transend operates the Transmission Arm of the Tasmanian Electricity System and employs approximately 180 people.
The results from a thorough health and fitness screening of the Transend workforce identified some common problems relating to sedentary lifestyles.
Following worker consultation, the Transend Lifestyle Club was formed to provide information on health issues and tailored exercise programs for workers and their families. Tangible support was provided by way of an in-house fitness centre and lifestyle coach; health presentations during lunch hours; an undercover bike shed and changing rooms to encourage riding to work.
Measures of success have been high participation rates in the Fitness Centre, as well as positive feedback in the recent Employee Survey due to the motivating environment.