The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service has won the Safety Leadership Award in the 2014 Workcover NSW SafeWork Awards.

Service Chairman, Cliff Marsh OAM, said that the award was testament to the work of a magnificent team of people that included staff, partners and those the Service exists to support.

“I am simply excited and proud to be among the winners and finalists of the 2014 NSW SafeWork Awards. I congratulate everyone who is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that safety is paramount for everyone in our state,” Cliff said.

The environment the Service operates in is a dynamic one; changes are constantly occurring, new equipment, new procedures and new people, including Hunter Region SLSA Helicopter Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service of NSW and Hunter New England Health staff.

The Service is responsible for the safety of 170 Paramedics, Doctors and Nurses who fly missions on the Service’s aircraft. As a result, ongoing communication and consultation is essential. Employees and contractor staff need to know about the specific risks in their jobs and the controls in place to guard against accident or injury.

Service General Manager, Richard Jones, said that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service believed in regular communication and consultation with employees and stakeholders about health, safety and welfare.

“It is an excellent and essential way to integrate the Occupational Health and Safety Management System into our organisation. It reinforces the Services commitment to protecting its people and ensure the continual improvement of the OHSMS and systems of work,” Richard said.

The 2014 Workcover NSW SafeWork Awards saw the highest number entries since their inception in 2004, with 176 entries submitted by businesses and individuals across the State.

A total of nine awards were presented across seven categories from a pool of 26 finalists.

Image | Service Hangar Supervisor, Matthew Wallace and Service Safety Manager, Robert Jenkins