WorkSafe Awards Spotlight Safety Innovation and Return to Work Leadership

Victoria’s 36th annual WorkSafe Awards will celebrate 22 standout finalists selected from 95 nominations, highlighting excellence in workplace health and safety and effective return to work practices across the state.

Winners will be announced on 26 February at the Plaza Ballroom, where employers, workers and safety leaders will come together to recognise outstanding contributions to safer, healthier workplaces.

WorkSafe Chief Executive Officer Cathy Henderson said the strong field of nominees demonstrates what can be achieved when workplace safety is treated as a core business priority and supported by robust WHS management systems, policies and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).

"Each year, the WorkSafe Awards show how employers and workers across the state can reduce workplace harm and assist injured workers back to work," Ms Henderson said.

"Every finalist has a powerful story worth sharing. We hope their efforts will inspire others to make a difference in their workplace."

The 2025 finalists represent a diverse range of sectors including healthcare, landscaping, construction and local government. Many have demonstrated leadership by embedding systematic safety practices, strengthening consultation, and implementing practical controls to address critical risks.

This year’s awards will recognise initiatives that:

- Demonstrate excellence in preventing and managing psychosocial risks, such as stress, fatigue, bullying and occupational violence.
- Provide strong leadership in occupational health and safety, including the use of formal WHS policies, procedures and safety management systems.
- Deliver innovative workplace health and safety solutions, including new technologies and engineering controls.
- Support injured workers through best-practice return to work planning and collaboration.

The event will also acknowledge the vital contribution of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), with five Victorian HSRs shortlisted for their advocacy, consultation and leadership in improving conditions for their workgroups.

In the agriculture sector, the awards will highlight cutting-edge safety technology, including a workforce safety system co-designed by farmers and farm workers, and an autonomous robot developed to replace tractors during table grape harvesting, significantly reducing high-risk manual and plant-related tasks.

Ms Henderson said the finalists demonstrate that effective safety outcomes are built on teamwork, planning and a proactive approach to risk management.

"Workplace safety is always a team effort, so it’s important to take the time to celebrate the innovations and hard work of people who share a passion for improving the lives of workers around Victoria," she said.

"We look forward to honouring the work and initiatives of each finalist at our event next month."

Tickets for the awards night are on sale until Friday 30 January and can be purchased online via Eventbrite. For further information, contact the event organisers by email or phone.

The 2025 WorkSafe Awards will recognise excellence in the following categories:

- Leading Return to Work (RTW) Practice
- Worker Return to Work (RTW) Achievement
- Excellence in Preventing and Managing Psychosocial Risk
- Farm Safety Solution
- OHS Leadership/Achievement
- Workplace Health & Safety Solution of the Year
- Health and Safety Representative of the Year

Workplaces looking to strengthen their own safety performance can benefit from implementing structured WHS management systems and documented policies and procedures that align with regulatory requirements and industry best practice. Resources such as comprehensive WHS management systems and policy frameworks are available commercially, for example through providers like BlueSafe’s WHS Management Systems and pre-developed SWMS templates, which can support organisations to formalise and continuously improve their safety approach.

Media enquiries regarding the WorkSafe Awards can be directed to the WorkSafe media team via email or on 0438 786 968.