Orbost Regional Health – finalist in the Worksafe awards 2011

ORH was very pleased to be recognised as a finalist in the 2011 Worksafe awards in the Health and Wellbeing category – Commitment to Workplace Health and Wellbeing. This award recognises leadership in demonstrating a whole-of-organisation commitment to promoting health and wellbeing at work.

The ‘Orbost Regional Healthy’ initiative aims to increase the health and wellbeing of our staff with activities responding to the Worksafe Workplace health checks which indicated that our staff could benefit from eating more fruit and vegetables and getting more exercise. ORH initiated a range of activities and some of these include: free soup during winter, traffic light food system to encourage healthy food choices, lunchtime walking group, health promotion signage and emails, free smoking cessation program, gym access and external employee assistance program.

The 2011 Worksafe awards attracted 176 submissions with ORH being one of 30 finalists chosen following a rigorous judging process and spanning 11 categories representing safety, health and wellbeing and return to work. The finalists, who came from small and large businesses across the state, showcased innovative ideas and leadership in workplace safety, health and return to work. A special commendation was also made to football legend Ron Barassi – WorkSafe’s Victorian Country Football League (VCFL) Ambassador since 2001 – for his outstanding contribution to health and safety.

Three members of the ORH Occupational Health and Safety committee represented ORH at the Awards night which was held at the Crown Palladium Ballroom on Wednesday, 19 October.

Although ORH did not win, it was a great achievement to reach the finalist stage and be recognised for the innovative ways this organisation has supported the health and wellbeing of our staff.

Visit www.worksafeawards.com.au and click on the finalists link to read more about the ‘Orbost Regional Healthy’ initiative.