Health and Safety Representative of the Year

Phyl Hilton

Toyota Motor Corporation Australia

Phyl is a tool maker at Toyota’s Altona Plant and has been a health and safety representative (HSR) for 10 years. Representing 27 members in the trades department within the Press shop, Phyl takes a leading role in identifying opportunities for safety improvements in his workplace. Using a practical and collaborative approach, Phyl has played an integral part in many initiatives, including the design and construction of weld bay facilities, the procurement of portable fume extractors and the development of press plant policies in English and Japanese. Phyl was also part of the Traffic Management Control Working Party and the Working at Heights and Trades Hazard Mapping projects. Phyl is committed to developing and driving safety knowledge amongst Toyota apprentices and actively mentors and coaches fellow HSRs.

Rohan Holdsworth

Blue Circle Southern Cement

Working as a maintenance fitter, Rohan represents 17 members in the mechanical maintenance department at Blue Circle Southern Cement. Rohan has more than 17 years’ experience as a health and safety representative (HSR), utilising his knowledge and experience in OHS to help successfully help the resolution of OHS issues in his designated working group (DWG) and across the company. Through his active membership in a variety of committees, Rohan continually strives to promote improvement and higher standards of health and safety for employees within his DWG and throughout his workplace and industry. He has played a significant and proactive role in the introduction of many safety initiatives including the redesign of the maintenance workshop, establishing a Confined Spaces Committee, the installation of a lifting jib, replacement of a maintenance truck and the introduction of new personal protective equipment.

Karen Linstrom

RMIT University

Karen has been a health and safety representative (HSR) at the School of Global Studies, Social Science and Planning, at RMIT University for more than five years, representing over 250 employees. This is one of the largest schools at RMIT and the designated work group is spread across four buildings within the complex. Karen’s consultative approach has assisted her to develop strong working relationships and she has been instrumental in helping develop and maintain a school-wide safety culture. Karen’s enthusiasm and commitment, together with her collaborative and straightforward approach, has earned her the respect of her peers and management. Karen is a dedicated and proactive HSR who has had key involvement in initiatives such as the formation of the school’s health and safety committee, development of OHS policies for orientation week and ergonomic assessments for all employees.

Julian Makara

Lesaffre Australia Pacific

Julian represents 40 employees at Lesaffre, a yeast manufacturing company. A highly committed health and safety representative for two years, Julian has been instrumental in helping create a ‘safety first’ culture at his workplace, where safety is now at the forefront of people’s minds. Julian has shown his dedication to workplace safety by playing an integral part in consultation processes between employees and management, the development of ‘toolbox talks’ to discuss OHS issues, the establishment of a Traffic Management Committee and subsequent implementation of a Traffic Management Plan, and the creation of new user-friendly hazard reporting forms. Julian's persistence in driving OHS initiatives and promoting OHS awareness has had a significant impact on workplace attitudes and behaviour towards OHS.

Health and Safety Committee of the Year

Darebin City Council

Corporate Safety Committee

Darebin City Council employs more than 1100 people across a number of sites and delivers a diverse range of services including children’s services, civic amenities and community services.

The committee has been operating since 2005 and meets every two months. It is made up of 8 management representatives and 17 health and safety representatives who are all passionate about improving OHS outcomes.

Achievements include the redevelopment and implementation of their safety management system, a safety strategy centred around home care and a new incident reporting system.

This committee is highly consultative, it provides training and information sessions to all staff, and maintains a proactive approach to identifying and reducing risks. Its dedication and commitment is proven in the increased OHS awareness across all Council sites, and the reduction in incidents and injuries.

RMIT University – School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety Committee

In operation since 2004, the committee meets quarterly and has two health and safety representatives, four employee representatives and six management representatives.

It operates across four campuses and has more than 180 staff members and 2000 students. The school is unique as it operates both in an educative and industrial capacity with design, research and testing facilities onsite. This includes large industrial wind tunnels, engine and chassis dynamometer facilities and an electric build and design facility.

The school has also produced the first hydrogen racing car in Australia. These facilities and associated activities carry extremely high risks. The committee has reviewed, developed and implemented a wide range of safety measures to ensure the continued health and safety of employees and students.

Initiatives include specific training needs for staff members, smart card access for high-risk areas, security camera installation in computer laboratories and incorporating OHS features into new building designs.

RMIT University – School of Fashion and Textiles

The Fashion and Textiles Health and Safety Committee

The School of Fashion and Textiles is one of Australia’s leading education providers with 80 full-time staff, 150 casual staff and more than 1500 students. Classrooms are located alongside plant and machinery such as industrial weaving and knitting machines, a fully equipped footwear production studio, an industrial dry cleaning plant and chemical laboratories for textile testing.

The committee, which has been operating since 2005, meets monthly and is made up of seven health and safety representatives and two management representatives.

Its success is attributed to a high level of management commitment and the committee members’ values, which encourage the sharing of ideas and OHS concerns in an open and supportive way. The committee plays a pivotal role in the consultation and communication processes within the school.

Achievements include a new footwear department where OHS issues are identified and addressed at the design stage, the introduction of safe walk zones across the campus and increased health and safety awareness amongst staff as well as students.

Sutton Tools

Sutton Tools Health and Safety Committee

Sutton Tools is an Australian-owned family business specialising in the manufacture and distribution of cutting tools and accessories.

The organisation has over 240 employees at its Thomastown plant, with the committee comprising eight health and safety representatives and six management representatives who meet monthly. This is a highly committed team that works diligently to continually improve their workplace health and safety outcomes.

The committee, which has existed for over 20 years, is highly consultative and prides itself on ensuring employees’ voices are heard. Its approach is one of continuous  improvement , ongoing review and updates and implementation of policies and procedures. Its achievements include the implementation of a ‘5S’ safety program to support a clean, safe and sustainable working environment, the introduction of tailored individual trolleys to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, and a new floor surface to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls in workshops.

The Victorian Arts Centre

Health, Safety and Security Committee

The Victorian Arts Centre operates four venues across two sites and employs more than 300 staff and 200 contractors at any one time. The committee was created in the 1990s when the organisation saw the need for a consultative body to represent the entire Arts Centre community.

It meets monthly and is made up of 10 health and safety representatives, 10 management representatives and also invites contractor representatives. The committee is highly consultative and drives a continuous improvement approach to ensure the ongoing development of policies, procedures and systems that aim to eliminate or reduce risks to employees, contractors, patrons and the general public.

Initiatives include the harmonisation of OHS policies and procedures with two major Victorian entertainment venues, advanced training sessions and specific plans to reduce the risks associated with manual handling and stress-related injuries.

Best Design for Workplace Safety

GTS Freight Management Pty Ltd

Load Restraint Trailer

The Load Restraint Trailer provides a safe and efficient way to handle, load and secure pallets of stock. Designed and developed primarily for use in the transport industry, it has removed the need for human contact associated with the tying down and stacking of freight.

Once the loading of pallets by a forklift is complete, a scissor lift (located at the rear of the trailer) pushes the pallets to the headboard, providing front-and-back load restraint. Then the side curtains (with gates attached) are secured by a mechanic ratchet (tentioner) and the centre wall is hydraulically moved towards the curtains, securing the load to provide side-to-side load restraint.

The design of the Load Restraint Trailer, with its fully automated moveable walls, ensures freight stability while significantly reducing the risk of injuries caused by manual handling and working from heights.

Racing Victoria Ltd, Dan Mawby & Delta-V Experts

Running Rail

Running rails have been a safety issue in the racing industry for many years, causing serious injuries to jockeys and horses involved in collisions. Track staff have also been injured due to the manual handling required to set up and move the rails. 

Designed and invented by Dan Mawby, tested by Delta-V Experts and used by Racing Victoria, this new lightweight, durable, UV-rated plastic running rail is a welcome replacement for the solid aluminium rails currently in use. The major improvement is that the horizontal rail doesn’t break from the impact of weight-bearing objects – instead, it elevates, springs and bends on impact.

The design and flexibility of this rail system also has the ability to steer a horse back on track should light contact be made, therefore avoiding injury. As a result, the new Running Rail has been implemented at Flemington and Caulfield Racecourse and some training facilities.

Best Solution to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries

Cherry Constructions Pty Ltd and Workright Safety Solutions Pty Ltd

Keg Handling System

Cherry Constructions and Workright Safety Solutions have developed a mechanical aid system for handling beer kegs in the hospitality industry. Keg handling has been a major issue in hospitality for several decades and is traditionally done by hand without the use of mechanical aids.

The Keg Handling System seeks to improve the way kegs, which can weigh up to 67kg, are handled and reduce the risk of injury. It consists of a keg lifter and trolley, ramp and stack safe crosses. The keg lifter can lift a keg, manoeuvre it into position and lower it to the floor or on top of another keg simply and easily with minimal effort from the operator. The trolley can pick up a keg from any position so the keg doesn’t have to be moved to meet the trolley. It also has a locking device so the keg is fixed to the trolley. The stack safe crosses allow the kegs to ’nest‘ into each other, stopping them from toppling over.

The major risks associated with handling beer kegs are musculoskeletal injuries to the back, shoulders and arms, and crushing injuries. The automated and easy-to-manoeuvre sytem is readily used in small spaces and by a range of staff. This design can also be adapted for other industries to aid in lifting and transporting many items including gas bottles, oil drums and even large pot plants in nurseries.

Microw Developments Pty Ltd

The Reo Jack

The Reo Jack is a purpose-built lever tool designed to take the strain out of lifting reinforcing mesh used in the concreting industry. It fits in between the mesh squares and by simply pushing down on the lever, the mesh is lifted to allow for positioning of plastic brackets (called ‘bar chairs’) prior to pouring concrete. This work is normally done manually on construction sites, with workers squatting or bending to lift the heavy mesh. As the work is repetitive and cannot be avoided, without the Reo Jack construction workers are at risk of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back, shoulders and arms, and crushing injuries to the hands and fingers. While a concreter must still bend to place the bar chair, the Reo Jack reduces the physical exertion required to lift the steel mesh. This makes the task safer by significantly reducing the risk of back strain and crush injuries.

SmartCage Pty Ltd

Automated Airfreight Trucking System

Millions of tonnes of air freight are transported throughout the world in containers, also known as Unit Load Devices (ULDs) weighing  around 1000kg up to 6000kg. In freight terminals and aircrafts, ULDs are moved with the assistance of power drive systems, with minimum force or effort required by manual labour. 

On the ground however, ULDs transported by trucks are manually pushed and pulled on and off the truck deck, exposing workers to many injury risks, including falls from heights, musculoskeletal injuries and crushed limbs. Additionally, containers are generally inadequately restrained on the vehicle, causing containers to fall from vehicles onto roads and freeways.

The Automated Airfreight Trucking System eliminates the need for pushing and pulling of the heavy ULDs and removes the need for the driver/loader to touch the containers or stand on the deck of the vehicle. This is achieved though the use of a handheld remote control device that activates individual power drive units to drive containers on and off the vehicle deck. Simultaneously, it raises and lowers automated stops/locks to secure the containers from movement. Furthermore, the driver can operate the remote control system at a safe distance from the truck, eliminating the risk of being in the immediate proximity of the loading area.

The SmartCage system is designed to interface with existing automated systems in freight terminals. It can also be economically retro-fitted to most roller-bed vehicles, making it a suitable system for the international and domestic freight forwarding industry.

Best Solution to a Health and Safety Risk

Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE

Lathe Chuck Guard

Working on lathes is a normal part of work in many businesses in the manufacturing industry. Bendigo Regional Institute ofTAFE (BRIT) works with students and apprentices to prepare them for the workforce. The staff at BRIT recognised the risk of an operator forgetting to remove a key from the chuck on a lathe before turning it on. The chuck can spin at 1000 rpm or more and this could cause the key to fly out from the machine with high force, creating a projectile that could result in serious injury to the operator or others close to the lathe.

The Lathe Chuck Guard protects the operator by refusing to close if the key is left in the chuck. The guard is interlocked to ensure the lathe can only be started with the guard closed. Having a guard assists with providing a safe work environment within this TAFE workshop and is adaptable for a range of lathes across industries.

The Lathe Chuck Guard is a simple, cheap yet effective way of reducing the risk of projectile keys. It will benefit a range of other educational facilities and the wider manufacturing industry.

Delta-V Experts

Swan Rollover Protective Structure

Delta-V Experts have developed a rollover protection structure suitable for retro-fitting to light utility vehicle fleets. The Swan Rollover Protective Structure protects occupants by preventing the cabin of the vehicle from being crushed in a rollover.

Primarily used in the mining industry, where there are often risks of rollovers from poor ground stability and steep grades, the structure fits above the cabin of a vehicle. The risks in a rollover collision are serious injury and/or fatality due to the proximity of the vehicle occupant’s head, neck and spine to areas of the vehicle that are crushed. Vehicle occupants in rollover incidents can also be injured due to the resulting deformation of the vehicle structure. The Delta-V structure minimises the rollover collision effect on the vehicle cabin, therefore reducing the possibility of injuries. It also helps to retain the vehicle’s windows, which further reduces the possibility of people falling out of the vehicle.

To date, over 1500 vehicles have been fitted with the rollover protective structure in South Africa, United States and South America. This system has great potential to be used in other industries such as forestry, military, emergency services and farming.

Dynamic Bracing Solutions Pty Ltd

Lite-Weight Tilt Panel Brace

Precast concrete panels used in building construction must be braced securely and safely, yet conventional braces are heavy and difficult to manoeuvre, place and remove. The Lite-Weight Tilt Panel Brace, developed by Dynamic Bracing Solutions, is designed and manufactured in Australia. Its lightweight aluminium design is 33 per cent lighter than current steel braces while still meeting strict industry standards for strength. The lighter weight significantly reduces the risk of sprains and strains from lifting, placement and removal of braces.

A further benefit is that the ease of handling can lead to increased efficiency for precast construction. The new design features a patented dual action foot which allows alternative anchor points to be chosen. This reduces the amount of rotation needed to extend the brace when installing it. The brightly, colour-coded body helps identify the correct brace grading and ensures the braces are highly visible when installed. The Lite-Weight Tilt Panel Brace is a significant OHS improvement on traditional bracing systems.

Best Strategy for Health and Safety Management

Berry Street

Risk Reduction Strategy – Client initiated violence in residential care

Berry Street is Victoria’s largest independent child and family welfare organisation. It provides a range of services across Victoria including community programs, disability services and education programs.

Berry Street employs more than 400 staff and has the support of more than 350 volunteer caregivers. Staff work directly with young people in a challenging environment that can include high-risk behaviour. As a result, extensive consultation led to the development and implementation of the Risk Reduction Strategy. It aims to equip staff with the knowledge and training to recognise and address psychosocial and occupational violence hazards they may face in their roles. The strategy provides personal support, mediation and professional development. Results indicate a significant improvement in staff wellbeing, which in turn has led to improved client outcomes.

Youth Justice Custodial Services (Department of Human Services)

Clinical Group Supervision Program

The Youth Justice Custodial Services branch within the Department of Human Services manages the operational activities of the three Victorian youth justice centres. It employs more than 420 youth justice workers to help 222 young people aged between 10 and 21 develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to better manage their lives.

To help staff address the challenges and stress associated with their work in youth justice, Youth Justice Custodial Services have developed the Clinical Group Supervision Program. This involves a strategy to provide a facilitated clinical environment where youth justice workers are supported to deal with a range of issues encountered in their work. Each session gives staff the opportunity to discuss critical incidents, cumulative or organisational stressors and interpersonal conflicts. The program supports staff and management to develop strategies to influence positive health and safety changes in the workplace. It has had a positive impact on reducing stress and improving health and safety outcomes.