The 2023 WorkSafe Awards’ nomination closing date is drawing near with entries due in by the end of the month.

The awards, now in their 34th year, will honour businesses and individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to workplace health and safety, wellbeing and return to work.

“The WorkSafe Awards highlight some of the great work being done to advance occupational health and safety and gives important recognition to those who are leading the way,” WorkSafe chief executive Colin Radford says.

“We encourage any business or individual with a great health and safety story to tell to get their entries in.”

Award nominations had been extended to 30 June to allow people who were considering nominating to get their entries in.

Last year, the WorkSafe Award was given to Renata Musolino for dedicating her more than 30-year career to improving workplace health and safety outcomes, including training thousands of health and safety representatives.

“I think it’s very important to recognise people, from my point of view, particularly the health and safety reps,” Ranata says.

“They’re often not only unsung but often put in difficult positions, so when they’re able to do good things it’s great to have them recognised.

“Clearly, some of the solutions are also fabulous, which is about thinking outside the box. Preventing injury, preventing disease, preventing fatalities, it must be acknowledged.”

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in February 2024 for the award categories Commitment to Prevention of Mental Injury in the Workplace, Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety on a Farm, Health and Safety Representative of the Year, Leading Return to Work Practice, OHS Leadership/Achievement, Worker Return to Work Achievement Award and Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year.

Nominations for the WorkSafe Awards are open to all Victorian-based employers and workers.

Entrants can nominate themselves or another person, with entries closing on 30 June 2023.