In its sixth year, the Hunter Safety Awards team is proud to celebrate their line-up of 2022 finalists.
The Hunter Safety Awards finalists include business and individuals who have demonstrated positive approaches to Work, Health, and Safety (WHS) in their workplace.
Proving that COVID-19 was no distraction to the safety of businesses and individuals in the Hunter, the event team recorded received some outstanding entries for the 2022 Awards.
Following a year of changing workplace restrictions and health concerns, many businesses were excited to showcase the hard work they’ve put in place for WHS matters.
Hunter Safety Awards Founder and Judge, Sarah-Jane Dunford said it was clear more businesses have put safety first after the effects of COVID-19 on a range of industries.
“Every year we’re impressed with the range of WHS approaches and initiatives, but to see even more businesses this year putting safety at the forefront of their processes is fantastic,” Sarah- Jane said.
“There has been a strong focus on the mental and physical wellbeing of company staff following the ongoing effects of the pandemic.”
This year, the judging panel of industry experts and sponsor representatives had a great challenge on their hands choosing from so many worthy applications.
“We always receive a high calibre of entries for the Awards, but this year our jobs as judges seemed more difficult than usual,” Sarah-Jane continued.
“So many businesses have experienced challenges over the last two years, and they’ve drawn on these challenges for their entries. We’re privileged to learn about the innovative programs, ideas, and approaches to workplace safety from all the Hunter businesses.
“In addition, we love that our awards provide the opportunity to celebrate success in the midst of adversity. As we continue to navigate the complexities of COVID-19, it’s important to recognise these efforts.”
The Hunter Safety Awards were launched in 2016 to highlight and acknowledge companies and individuals within the Hunter region who demonstrate best-practice and innovative approaches when it comes to workplace health and safety.
Each year the Hunter Safety Awards attracts sponsors from local, national, and international business communities, with AGL again the major partner.
AGL General Manager Liddell and Bayswater, Len McLachlan said AGL is proud to sponsor the Hunter Safety Awards in 2022.
“At AGL our priority is reliably providing essential services for our customers and our communities–but doing so with safety as a non-negotiable consideration,” Len said.
“We have been impressed by the work that businesses in the Hunter region have done to put health, safety and wellbeing first.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented its own set of challenges in managing a safe workplace and emphasised the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace.
“Every year, submissions showcase the innovative ways businesses and individuals are committing to safety, ensuring that not only their workplace is safe, but the wider community too.”
There is also a large group of returning award sponsors, including the University of Newcastle, uvex, WesTrac, 3M, Red Insight, Sonic Health Plus, Ampcontrol, Tomago Aluminium and ARTC.
“We’ve also welcomed three new sponsors, BY Group, CypherIQ Digital and Strike Force Services,” Sarah-Jane said.
Managing Director of Strike Force Services, Jason Schutz said that their team is excited to be part of such a historic event in the region and to highlight the importance of safety across all industries.
“Like many local businesses and industries, we have seen the devastation of COVID-19. We’ve also seen the other risks that come when we don’t put safety at the forefront,” Jason said.
“In these trying times, we are proud to be able to stand side-by-side with other businesses and individuals in the community to promote safety and the people who make it possible.”
Awards will be presented across 13 categories and will see the winners announced at a gala event on Thursday 12 May 2022 at Newcastle Exhibition and Conference Centre (NEX).
“This is the only awards event specifically for WHS professionals in the Hunter. We’re looking forward to networking and supporting the finalists and the winners in person after a two-year hiatus,” Sarah-Jane concluded.
