Australian Workplace Health and Safety Awards | Winners 2024

Award 1: Australian WHS Champion (CEO) - Less than 1,000 Employees

< 1,000 Employees - 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.

> 1,100 Employees - 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.

Award 2: Australian WHS Leader of the Year

< 1,000 Employees - Wade DeManiel, CouriersPlease

Wade DeManiel joined CouriersPlease as a compliance officer in 2020. He was quickly promoted to WHS & Quality Advisor and upon completion of a Diploma in Health and Safety in November, was promoted to WHS & Quality Manager. Last year, he was a finalist in the Australian WHS Leader of the Year Awards. Wade continues developing and delivering key safety initiatives, including a new safety management system and Franchise Partner Home Safe Board.

> 1,000 Employees - Stuart Rawlins, Autopact

Hired by Autopact at the end of 2022 as Executive Head of WHS to take company on a safety journey to the next level of being a company with a high-performing safety culture.

Award 3: Australian WHS Emerging Leader of the Year

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.

Award 4: Australian HSR of the Year

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.

Award 5: Australian WHS Team of the Year

Enabling Work Program, Gamuda

Gamuda is a global leader in engineering, property, and infrastructure, renowned for delivering cutting-edge projects across nine countries with over 4,500 skilled professionals. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our innovative solutions, our unwavering dedication to safety, and our sustainable practices which are shaping the future of infrastructure worldwide.

Award 6: Best WHS Health & Wellbeing Program

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.

Award 7: Best WHS Learning & Professional Development Program

Empowering Safe & Healthy Teams, BlueScope

BlueScope is a global leader in metal coating and painting products for building and construction industries, providing vital components for houses, buildings, structures, vehicles and more.

Headquartered in Australia, with our people and operations spread across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands and throughout Asia.

Award 8A: Best WHS Technology Innovation

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.

Award 8B: Best Technology Deployment & Adoption

Adoption of Blindsight AI system in a Feedlot environment, Mort & Co

With over 25 years of lot feeding experience, Mort & Co has evolved from a humble grainfed beef producer to major agricultural supplier and leading Australian exporter. Innovative by nature, the business continues to grow, servicing global markets and proudly employing over 300 dedicated team members.

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