A Werribee South farm and Wyndham council have been announced as finalists in the 2021 WorkSafe Awards.
A total of 23 finalists were announced from 180 nominations across Victoria, last week.
Velisha National Farms has been named a finalist in the category for commitment to workplace health and safety on a farm.
Run by managing director Catherine Velisha, the farm this year introduced a new induction program to educate culturally and linguistically diverse workers about safety, through images and videos.
In addition, the farm has supported workers to improve their English language skills.
Ms Velisha was also announced as recipient of the Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture award at the Hort Connections 2021 National Awards for Excellence in June.
“I do want to be able to inspire young girls to think of horticulture as a career, to change the perception of the industry and let them know from a young age, it’s a space where women can thrive,” she said.
Wyndham council was named a finalist in the WorkSafe award’s workplace health and safety solution of the year category for developing a safe and secure way to house dangerous dogs in the their care.
In November, the council sought worker input and industry expertise to design a new enclosure for its pound, to better prevent staff injuries.
Self-closing doors and locks reduced the need for staff to enter the enclosure, while features such as non-slip floors and flip-down access within the main door have also improved safety.
