Queensland winners in workplace safety

The company behind an AI pedestrian detection system and a Townsville-based civil construction business are among the 2021 winners of Queensland's Safe Work and Return to Work Awards. PRM Engineering Services took out the ‘Best solution to an identified work health and safety issue’ award. The Willawong-based firm has developed a pedestrian detection system using artificial intelligence, recognising when a person has entered a hazardous zone. “The system reliably identifies a person’s presence and warn operators, pedestrians, or site employees of impending danger," Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said. “The system is versatile and can adapt to all kinds of excavators, loaders, trucks and other types of vehicles, so it can be used in the construction, waste, retail and warehousing industries.” Mendi Group took accolades for 'Most significant improvement to work health and safety performance '. The judges said the NQ firm brought in site safety officers to help identify and control risks across all projects as the business grew. Through education and training, workers gained new skills that improved overall engagement in safer work practices In 2020 Mendi rolled out 222 toolbox talks, the launch of the Mendi Get Fit Program (30 per cent participation), external training for staff (35 per cent participation) and monthly safety awards. "Mendi Group reached the significant milestone of working 1750 days without incurring a lost time incident and are enjoying higher levels of productivity, manageable cash flow and better staff morale and engagement," notes on the win stated. Ms Grace congratulated the 12 winners, chosen from 34 finalists and 82 overall entries. “These businesses and individuals have displayed unrivalled commitment to keeping Queenslanders healthy and safe at work, or if they’re injured, getting them back on the job as soon as possible,” she said. “The 2021 awards featured a new category recognising outstanding responses to COVID-19, which was won by Australian Country Choice. Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace. “ACC tackled the pandemic challenges head on to keep staff and customers healthy and safe. “Through accelerated use of digital technology and constant messaging, ACC kept its entire workforce in the loop. “The cattle, beef and food processing company also developed reusable and launderable balaclavas and used specialised messaging for social distancing like ‘stay one cow-length apart’.” Ms Grace said Injured Worker Achievement winner Ellie Dunn deserved special mention for returning to work against the odds. “Ellie was completing her civil traineeship when she was severely injured in a motor vehicle accident while traveling between sites for a client,” Ms Grace said. “She suffered multiple injuries resulting in a high amputation of her left leg. Ellie spent months in hospital receiving intensive rehabilitation and psychological support. “Ellie was able to walk again and her rehab continues, but she is back at work. Her bravery, determination, resilience and positive attitude is inspiring.” The full list of 2021 winners is below: Best solution to an identified work health and safety issue -PRM Engineering ServicesBest individual contribution to work health and safety- Michelle Oberg, Downer GroupBest solution to an identified electrical safety issue -National Electrical Communications AssociationMost significant improvement to work health and safety performance -Mendi ConstructionsBest commitment to work health and wellbeing -Wesley Mission QueenslandBest demonstrated healthy and safe work design -Workplace Maintenance SolutionsBest demonstrated leadership in work health and safety - Australian Country ChoiceInjured worker achievement award -Ellie Dunn, ProtechBest response to the COVID-19 pandemic in work health and safety - Australian Country Choice

Queensland winners in workplace safety

Industry Queensland

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