Geraldton in Western Australia has become the only regional Local Government to receive a prestigious silver award for its occupational health and safety record. The City has joined the ranks of just three other Western Australian Local Governments to have received the Local Government Insurance Services (LGIS) Silver Award since the program’s inception four years ago.
LGIS Chief Executive, Leon Lawrence, flew to Geraldton to present the award to Council’s Chief Executive, Rob Jefferies, and Mayor Vickie Petersen. Leon Lawrence said receiving the award required passing a rigorous audit process.
“It really is an intrusive and difficult process with seven times more questions than a Worksafe inspection,” he said. This is a real achievement – a real feather in the cap of the City and its management.”
In receiving the award, Rob Jefferies paid tribute to the work of a whole host of City staff. He said their work not only saved Council money but also made for a safer, more enjoyable workplace.
“It’s also good news for City ratepayers as money saved through fewer accidents and claims means less pressure on budgets,” he said. However, there’s also an important human element – reducing accidents is of utmost importance.”
Mayor Vicki Petersen spoke highly of the work of staff in achieving the award. “This is not just the result of work from a few people, but from people working across the entire City of Geraldton,” she said.
City of Geraldton received a bronze award for its occupational health and safety record after its last audit two years ago. It was less than two per cent off a gold award this year.
Executive Manager Environmental and Infrastructure Services, Geoff Shoemark, said Geraldton Council had adopted a ‘whole of organisation’ approach to occupational health and safety.
“We have established an Occupational Health and Safety Committee that sets the focus,” he said. “We have done risk analysis to ensure that work is conducted in a safe and effective manner.”
