2024 Awards Winners - Australian Workplace Health & Safety Awards

Mell Greenall, Before You Dig Australia

Mell is a passionate leader who puts people at the centre of all her decision making. She is committed to creating an environment for her team that allows for solutions that are developed from a place of creativity, open discussion and a genuine belief that we can all make a difference. Her time at BYDA has seen her lead the merger of 6 state based businesses into a single national organisation that has repositioned itself as the national safety partner for safe excavation near utility infrastructure.

Entry Summary

Mell Greenall, CEO of Before You Dig Australia (BYDA), has led a significant transformation of the organisation since her appointment in January 2022. Under her leadership, BYDA merged six state-based businesses into a unified national entity, becoming a key safety partner for utility excavation across Australia. Mell's leadership is marked by a people-centric approach, fostering an innovative culture focused on proactive safety measures. She has introduced critical initiatives like the sector safety forum series, a national utility plan reading education program, and the creation of Australia's first Damage Data Dashboard. Mell has also driven technological advancements, such as the BYDA collated response viewer, to improve safety information management. Her efforts have significantly enhanced industry collaboration, education, and the promotion of safe excavation practices, positioning BYDA as the leading voice in damage prevention in Australia.

Ross Taylor, Fletcher Building Group Ltd

Ross often emphasises that “great safety IS great business,” and this belief has been validated at Fletcher Building over the past two years. The businesses that prioritise exceptional safety outcomes are the same ones that achieve top-tier people engagement (eNPS), strong customer engagement (NPS), and significant progress in their sustainability goals. In FY23, the business recorded its lowest number of injuries ever. Ross notes, "You can only achieve safety when you genuinely care for people. It doesn't mean you don't demand performance, but you have to genuinely care—people can spot insincerity from a mile away.

Entry Summary

During his time as CEO of Fletcher Building, Ross Taylor has led a transformative safety culture shift within the organisation, significantly reducing serious injuries by 86% and overall injuries by 47% over a five year period. Faced with multiple fatalities early in his tenure, Ross made it his mission to overhaul safety practices, emphasising leadership accountability and a caring culture. His unique initiatives, such as the Safety Leadership Programme and the Power Up frontline training, have fostered a deep commitment to safety across the company’s 14,900 employees. Ross's strategic focus on safety as a core value not only improved operational outcomes but also enhanced employee engagement and well-being.

Entry Summary

Wade DeManiel, WHS & Quality Manager at CouriersPlease, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in workplace health and safety since joining the company in 2020. Promoted rapidly due to his commitment and expertise, Wade has implemented innovative safety initiatives, including the Franchise Partner Home Safe Board and the Intelex safety management system. His efforts have led to a significant reduction in lost time injuries and workers' compensation premiums, while also addressing the diverse needs of the workforce through accessible training and communication strategies. Wade’s contributions have not only enhanced safety at CouriersPlease but have also been recognised and adopted by the company’s parent organisation, Singapore Post.

Entry Summary

Stuart Rawlins, appointed as Executive Head of WHS at Autopact in late 2022, has driven significant safety improvements across the organisation. By reviewing and revamping the existing safety systems, he introduced a fit-for-purpose safety software solution, Donesafe, which has led to a 900% increase in hazard reporting and a significant improvement in key safety metrics, such as LTIFR and MTIFR. Stuart’s leadership has fostered a high-performing safety culture, engaging over 300 employees weekly in safety processes and achieving an 86% safety engagement rating in the annual employee survey. His efforts have made safety an integral part of Autopact’s operations, from new site builds to daily inspections, ensuring that safety is viewed as everyone’s responsibility.

Jayson Withers, Georgiou Group

Jayson’s dedication to achieving proactive safety outcomes both within and outside the construction industry is truly commendable as an emerging leader. As a WHS Advisor, he demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting safety awareness and best practices, not only within his immediate work environment but also in broader contexts.

Winning the CCF Safety Officer of the Year award in 2023 is a testament to Jayson’s exceptional contributions to safety leadership and management. This recognition highlights his effectiveness in driving positive safety outcomes and fostering a culture of safety excellence within the construction sector as a safety leader.

Entry Summary

Jayson Withers, a Senior WHS Advisor at Georgiou Group, has rapidly emerged as a leader in workplace safety, particularly within the construction industry. His proactive initiatives, such as the "Georgiou School Educational Days" for Year 11 and 12 students and the "Where Are You? Mobile Plant Blind Spot Training Program," have significantly enhanced safety awareness and reduced incidents on projects like the Parkes Bypass. Jayson’s efforts have been recognised through his promotion within Georgiou and by winning the CCF Safety Officer of the Year award in 2023. His commitment to mentoring young professionals, promoting mental health, and engaging with industry experts highlights his holistic approach to safety. Jayson’s dedication to continuous improvement and his innovative strategies position him as a promising future leader in workplace health and safety.

Robert Nankivell, BHP Newman Operations

A local resident in the Pilbara W.A. Living in Newman with his Family. Robert is a passionate HSR & mentor to upcoming HSR’s. Also enjoys sharing skills & knowledge with others. Attends Safety meetings ( even on days off) has a great understanding of the WHS regulations & act.

HSR Of the year finalist Worksafe WA workplace excellence awards 2022/23. Also in March 2024 was invited to be a guest speaker at the Western Australian law congress, with a case study implementing WHS Law standards in practice.

Entry Summary

Robert Nankivell, a passionate Health and Safety Representative (HSR) at BHP Newman Operations, is highly regarded for his dedication to workplace safety and his role as a mentor to emerging HSRs. Living in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, Robert actively engages in safety meetings, even on his days off, and has a strong understanding of WHS regulations. His contributions have earned him recognition as a finalist in the Worksafe WA WHS Excellence Awards for 2022/23. Robert is known for his collaborative approach, working closely with management to enhance safety practices, such as updating traffic management procedures. He is committed to sharing his knowledge, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, making him a respected leader in his field.

Entry Summary

Gamuda, a global leader in engineering and infrastructure, has introduced the Enabling Work Program as part of their debut project in Australia, the Sydney Metro West - Western Tunnelling Package. Despite being new to the Australian market, Gamuda established a robust Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) framework from the ground up, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and proactive safety management. The program has significantly enhanced safety standards, reduced the Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) to 0.28, and improved workplace safety culture through initiatives like the Pit Stop program and comprehensive safety training. Gamuda's WHS team has successfully integrated cutting-edge technologies and fostered a culture of continuous improvement, positioning the company as a leader in the Australian construction sector.

Project WERC: Workplace Engagement Respect and Care, Woolworths Group in partnership with University of South Australia (UniSA) and University of Queensland (UQ)

Our partnership unites Australia’s largest retailer with two pioneering universities to deliver an evidence-based program to prevent bullying and build a healthy workplace culture. Woolworths Group is committed to providing a safe and engaging place to work for their 190,000+ staff. University of South Australia, who leads Australia in research impact and engagement, and University of Queensland, top-ranked in the inaugural Australian ‘Best Universities Ranking,’ strive to solve challenging and complex real-world problems through research.

Entry Summary

Project WERC (Workplace Engagement Respect and Care) is a pioneering, evidence-based program developed through a partnership between Woolworths Group, the University of South Australia, and the University of Queensland. The program addresses workplace bullying and psychosocial hazards by focusing on the systemic root causes within the organisational structure, rather than treating bullying as an interpersonal issue. Through participatory co-design methods, employees are empowered to collaborate in reshaping their work environments, resulting in significant reductions in bullying exposure and complaints. Implemented in Woolworths' stores, Project WERC has demonstrated a 24% reduction in bullying in trial locations compared to a 155% increase in control stores. The success of Project WERC has transformed Woolworths' approach to psychosocial risks, serving as a model for broader organisational change and setting a new standard in workplace health and wellbeing.

Entry Summary

BlueScope's "Empowering Safe & Healthy Teams" program is a comprehensive safety and wellbeing leadership initiative co-designed and facilitated with Resilience Health and Safety to enhance the safety culture and leadership skills of its Australian Steel Products (ASP) leaders. This face-to-face, three-day program focuses on seven key modules, including managing risk, effective safety conversations, and leading mental health and wellbeing at work. The program integrates BlueScope's global Health and Safety Strategy and Human Organisational Performance principles to foster a safer and healthier workplace. Since its launch, over 650 leaders have participated, with the program set to continue into 2025. Feedback indicates significant improvements in leadership capabilities, particularly in managing mental health risks, and the program has received strong support from senior leadership across the organisation.

BeamSafe Thermographic Monitoring System for Lithium-Ion Battery Charging Racks, Beam Mobility

Beam is the largest provider of micromobility services in Australia and New Zealand. Beam is the only provider to operate in every state and territory in Australia and across both islands of New Zealand. With more than 14,000 vehicles operating in more than 35 Australian and New Zealand cities and towns, Beam demonstrates a commitment to safety and compliance. Beam holds the best safety record of any provider with < 1 incident per 100,000 trips.

Entry Summary

Beam Mobility has developed the BeamSafe Thermographic Monitoring System (TMS) to address the significant fire risks associated with lithium-ion battery charging. This innovative system integrates thermographic cameras, smoke detectors, and automated messaging technology to monitor battery charging racks in real-time, detecting temperature anomalies well before any fire or smoke is present. The TMS has transformed battery safety management across Beam's 35 facilities in Australia and New Zealand, preventing thermal runaway events and enhancing the safety of their operations. The system also allows for remote monitoring, reducing human error and ensuring a safe charging environment. Beam's investment in this technology reflects its commitment to setting new safety standards in the micromobility industry.

Entry Summary

Mort & Co, a leading Australian agricultural business, implemented the Blindsight AI technology to enhance safety at its Grassdale and Pinegrove feedlots, focusing on reducing vehicle-related accidents. This innovative AI system, installed on Front End Loaders, distinguishes between objects and people, providing alerts only when necessary to avoid complacency. Following a successful trial, Blindsight was rolled out across multiple loaders, resulting in a 65% reduction in critical person detections and a 50% decrease in overall critical alerts within the first three months. The system's integration has improved safety for workers and reduced near-misses, with further plans to expand its use across additional machinery and operations.