Defence recognised as safety leader

Defence has been recognised as a leader in work health and safety at the recent 2013 Comcare Work Health and Safety Awards.

Comcare announced the winners at a dinner in Canberra where Defence won the categories ‘Workplace Health and Safety Management System’, ‘Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Hazard’, and ‘Individual Contribution to Health and Safety’. Defence was also awarded two high commendations and two commendations.

Director General Work Health and Safety, Mr Lindsay Kranz, said that of the 23 finalists from across the Commonwealth, eight were from Defence.

“This is a wonderful result that Defence can be especially proud of,” Director General Work Health and Safety, ” he said.

“This success in the Commonwealth arena showcases Defence’s commitment to ensuring risks to health and safety and wellbeing are identified and actively managed.

“In particular, I am delighted to see that Defence had three finalists in the category for solutions to address safety hazards this year. This demonstrates that Defence is honouring its commitment to reduce risks to workers throughout our complex work environment.” 

Defence category winners will now be assessed by Comcare to possibly compete nationally in the 9^th Annual Safe Work Australia Awards in early 2014.

The winning entries from Defence were:

• Navy personnel on HMAS WARRAMUNGA for ‘Sustainable performance optimisation through leadership’
• 303 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets for the ‘Development and Implementation of a Complex Safety Management Plan’
• Joint Health Command’s Mr Robert Williams for ‘Promoting work, health and safety compliance’.

Background information on the winning entries is available at: 2013 Defence COMCARE finalists

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20131597

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999