2026 Finalists

We are proud to announce this year’s Finalists! These outstanding organisations and individuals have been recognised by the judges for their exceptional innovation, unwavering commitment to safety as a business priority, measurable return on investment, and exemplary work health and safety standards within their respective industries.

Category 1: Best Continuous Improvement of a WHS Management System

ANZCO Foods
HIA Apprentices
Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG)
Riverside Marine
Telstra Group Limited

Category 2A: Best Solution of a WHS Risk (Small-Medium Business)

Itero Australia Pty Ltd
Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG)
ZircoDATA Pty Ltd

Category 2B: Best Solution of a WHS Risk (large Business)

Altus Group
BMD
Ferrovial Gamuda Joint Venture – Coffs Harbour Bypass Project
Monadelphous
VENTIA

Category 3: Best WHS Training Program

Alstom, Alium Works & Australian Rail Apprentice Network
Area9 Lyceum
Emergency Management Community of Practice
Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)
Sydney Airport

Category 4: Best Communication of a Safety Message

BMD Group
Bunnings Group
Lendlease Construction
Opal (Noble Agency)
VENTIA

Category 5: Ian Chisholm Award for the Best Individual WHS Achievement

Adam Kett, Fortescue
Daniel Rossouw, St John of God Berwick Hospital
Donny Lawrence James, Alice Springs Town Council
Dr Tim Allred, Downer Energy & Utilities
Naomi Kemp, fr&nk Capability Leaders

Category 6: Best Safety Leadership Program / Initiative

APA Group
Bupa Villages and Aged Care Pty Ltd
HOSPO Health – Hospitality Tasmania
SA Water and SUEZ Production & Treatment Alliance
Service Stream

Category 7: Best Wellbeing Program

Elecnor Australia
Marinus Link Pty Ltd
New South Wales Police Force
VIDA Roads (formerly MRPV)

Category 8: Best Return & Recovery at Work System

City of Gold Coast
Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service
Metcash

Category 9 – Best Solution for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work

Built
Commonwealth Bank
Marinus Link Pty Ltd
Newcastle Greater Mutual Group Ltd
Opal (Noble Agency)

Category 10 – Best WHS Commercial Product or Service Innovation

Branach Manufacturing Pty Ltd
Global Safety Index
Octfolio
ProTx

Category 11 - Best safety team

BMD Group
Central Qld Hospital & Health Service
Lendlease
Mitchell Services
Sunwater

Pinnacle Award

🏆 To be revealed live at the Gala Dinner, 5 November 2026

All finalists will be recognised along with the announcement of the winners at the National Safety Awards Gala Dinner being held at Shangri-La Sydney on Thursday, 5 November 2026. For more information on the Gala Dinner and to register click here.