DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 495/10
Friday 22 October 2010
Accolades for Defence OHS champions
in 2010 safety awards
Defence was recognised in two categories of the 2010 Safety, Rehabilitation and
Compensation Commission (SRCC) Safety Awards announced on 23 September 2010.
In its tenth year, the Awards recognise public and private sector agencies as well as
individuals within the Comcare scheme who have achieved excellence in workplace
occupational health, safety, rehabilitation and return-to-work practices. This year
attracted 17 finalists across five categories.
Defence was successful in the following two categories:
Winner in Category 5 – Best Individual Contribution to Health and Safety
(a) An employee (eg. Health and Safety Representative).
(b) An outstanding contribution by a person with responsibility for Occupational
Health and Safety (OHS) as part of their duties.
Air Force, RAAF Base Darwin, Rigging subject matter expert - Mr Bruce Hansen
Mr Bruce Hansen identified a weakness in policy and practice associated with
'Rigging' operations associated with 'Antenna Maintenance and Working at Heights.'
He then developed policy and procedure to address these gaps and influenced a
change in RAAF policy and procedures that are now the accepted standard.
Highly Commended in Category 6 – Rehabilitation and Return to Work Award
(a) An organisation that has demonstrated excellence and innovation in rehabilitation
and return to work.
(b) An outstanding contribution by an individual in rehabilitation and return to work.
Navy – HMAS Kuttabul, Clinical Pilates Rehabilitation Program, Dr Anna Lewis,
Physiotherapist
Dr Anna Lewis established the Clinical Pilates Rehabilitation Program in 2003 to
assist injured RAN members achieve a reduction in pain, improved mobility and
considerably shortened return to work timeframes. Since its inception, over 600
Defence personnel have participated in the program, seven Defence members have
had decisions reversed on medical discharge and many continue with self-
management strategies.
DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
Bruce Hansen and Anna Lewis are congratulated for their exemplary work and for the
recognition they have now achieved in the wider Australian community.
Bruce Hansen will now be entered into the National Safe Work Australia Awards in
2011.
Senior Defence representatives at the SRCC Awards included Air Vice-Marshal
Geoff Brown, Deputy Chief of Air Force; Mr Phil Minns, Deputy Secretary People
Strategies and Policy; Major General Craig Orme, Head People Capability; and
Mr David Morton, Director General Mental Health, Psychology and Rehabilitation.
The contribution of our Defence OHS Champions is highly valued and their
dedication also demonstrates Defence Values. Their improvements contribute to
Defence OHS maturity, supporting the capability for protecting Defence people by
providing a safe workplace for all.
Further information and how to enter in the 2011 Defence OHS Awards is available
Media contact:
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
Up to the minute information on Australian Defence Force operations is now
available on Twitter at twitter.com/AusDefenceForce.
NEWS 
