The inspiring stories of resilience, ingenuity and determination from individuals and workplaces across Victoria have been shared at the 2023 WorkSafe Awards.

Eight winners representing the healthcare, emergency services, agriculture, transport and local government sectors were honoured for their commitment to preventing workplace harm or improving outcomes for injured workers.

“It’s wonderful to share the stories of individuals who have made the journey back to work after injury as well as those who have gone to great lengths to make their workplaces safer,” WorkSafe chief executive officer Joe Calafiore says.

“Their achievements are an inspiration not only among their peers but to anyone who values safe and healthy workplaces.”

More than 350 people attended last night’s event to recognise excellence in workplace health and safety and return to work across six award categories.

Among them were joint Health and Safety Representative of the Year award winners Jason Learmonth from Ambulance Victoria and Barwon Health University Hospital’s Jen Gamble and Gaye Coles.

The resolve to return to work after injury was also celebrated with the Return to Work Achievement award shared between Andrew Mifsud and Helene Visser, who both overcame significant mental injuries to get back to work.

Victoria Police claimed the honours in the Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year for an ingenious solution for the safe release of impounded cars, while Hepburn Shire Council was recognised for significant progress in building a positive health and safety culture, taking out the OHS Leadership/Achievement award.

WorkSafe Awards winners include Victoria Police and their Hard Seat Cover for the Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year award, Hepburn Shire Council OHS Committee for the OHS Leadership/Achievement award and AirAgri for the Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety on a Farm award.

Andrew Mifsud from Sargeant Transport and Helene Visser from Tidda Counselling received the Worker Return to Work Achievement award (joint winners) while Calvary Aged Care Services was given the Leading Return to Work Practice award.

Lastly, Jason Learmonth from Ambulance Victoria and Jen Gamble and Gaye Coles from Barwon Health University Hospital were awarded as the Health and Safety Representative of the Year (joint winners).