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Celebrating safety first with 2022 Hunter award finalists

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An impressive array of finalists, including businesses and individuals, will vie for the Hunter Safety Awards (HSA) in 2022.

Now in its sixth year, the event showcases those who have demonstrated positive approaches to Work, Health and Safety (WHS) in their workplace.

Proving that COVID-19 was no distraction either, the HSA team received some outstanding entries for the 2022: Aqua Assets, ARTC, Asplundh, Asset Training, Carter Heavy Haulage, Chandler Macleod, CHD Partners, CMA Contracting, Community Therapy, EML, Ethos Health, Fenech Demolition, GCG Health, Safety and Hygiene, Hillgrove Mine, Liddell Coal (with Rollingball Productions), Mainstream Industries, Mavid Construction, MolyCop, Morgan Engineering, Murray Consulting Solutions, Plant Assessor,  Red Insight, Singleton Council and Warner Company.

Following a year of changing workplace restrictions and health concerns, many businesses were excited to highlight 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 ventures had 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,” she explained.

“But, to see even more businesses this year putting safety at the forefront of their processes is fantastic.

“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 time our jobs as judges seemed more difficult than usual,” Ms Dunford said.

“So many businesses have experienced challenges over the past two years.

“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 region.

Each year, it 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 was proud to sponsor the Hunter Safety Awards in 2022.

“At AGL our priority is reliably providing essential services for our customers and our communities,” he stated.

“However, doing so with safety as a non-negotiable consideration.

“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 newcomers BY Group, CypherIQ Digital and Strike Force Services,” Ms Dunford said.

Strike Force Services managing director Jason Schutz said its team was 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,” he added.

“We’ve also seen the other risks that come when we don’t put safety at the forefront.

“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 see the winners announced at a gala event on Thursday 12 May at the Newcastle Exhibition and Conference Centre (NEX).

“This is the only awards event specifically for WHS professionals in the Hunter,” Ms Dunford said.

“We’re looking forward to networking and supporting the finalists and the winners in person after a two-year hiatus.”

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