Defence

Feature

Recognising best practice

The 2006 Defence Safety Awards were presented on 8 May by the Secretary of Defence, Mr Ric Smith, and Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AO, AFC. There were winners in three of the four categories this year and seven commendations were also awarded overall.

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, presents a Defence Safety Award to Captain Richard Menhinick on behalf of HMAS Anzac for the design and development of a portable pontoon to provide a stable base for access to the FFH Accommodation ladder. The recognition of this award for developing a solution to a workplace OHS issue is applauded by the Secretary, Mr Ric Smith, as Mr Steve Grzeskowiak, Director-General Occupational Health Safety and Compensation Branch, prepares to hand on the award winner's certificate.

The best solution to an identified workplace health and safety issue award was given to HMAS Anzac Portable Pontoon. Commendations were awarded to Safety Culture Improvement Program, Defence Science and Technology Organisation, and Air Lift Group Implementation of Working at Heights Policy, Air Force.

The winner for best workplace health and safety practices at unit/branch level was Fleet Intermediate Maintenance Activity, Perth. 3 Squadron Ground Safety Management System and HMAS Stuart both received commendations.

There was no winner for best workplace health and safety management system, and one submission, Safety Management System, Navy, was given a commendation.

The final award for best individual contribution to health and safety was presented to Mr Rodney O'Connor, F-111 Engines Business Unit, Defence Materiel Organisation. Commendations were awarded to Colonel Brett Billett, Army Heat Injury Remediation, and Squadron Leader Darryl Stokes, Implementation of Working at Heights Policy at Air Lift Group.

The Defence Safety Awards were introduced in 2004 to recognise and reward positive contributions towards improving Defence occupational health and safety (OHS). The awards also aim to raise the profile and awareness of OHS and rehabilitation programs in Defence, and to encourage people at all levels throughout Defence to maintain health and safety at work. The Defence Safety Awards are the gateway to the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (SRCC) Awards, allowing those categories that align with the SRCC Award categories to be submitted for judging and recognition nationally.

A Defence Safety Award recognises and acknowledges exceptional performance by individuals or groups within the department who meet or exceed the Defence Safety Awards' criteria and have made significant contribution to the improvement of OHS for Defence people. A commendation certificate recognises and acknowledges performance by individuals or groups within the department who meet part of the criteria or who are able to demonstrate a good understanding of the implementation of a safety management system within their workplace. The final judging of the award submissions is undertaken by the Defence Occupational Health and Safety Committee, which is a subcommittee of the Defence Committee.

Nominations for the 2007 Defence Safety Awards will be called for in September 2006.

For further information about the awards, please visit: http://ohsc.defence.gov.au/Programs/SafetyAwards/Default.htm, or contact OHSC Communications, Occupational Health, Safety and Compensation Branch, email: ohsc.comms@defence.gov.au.

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