DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 350/08
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
DEFENCE OHS CHAMPIONS AT 2008 SRCC SAFETY AWARDS
Defence was recognised in two categories during the 2008 Safety, Rehabilitation and
Compensation Commission (SRCC) Safety Awards, announced on 23 October 2008.
The SRCC Safety Awards recognise public and private sector agencies and
individuals that have achieved excellence in occupational health, safety, rehabilitation
and return-to-work practices. This year attracted 46 entries across five categories.
In Category Three: Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety
Issue, finalist status was awarded to Defence Support Group South Australia for its
initiative "Flying the Falcons" - an Alternative Approach to Bird Management on a
RAAF Base.
Bird management has been identified as a priority at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South
Australia. As well as causing damage to infrastructure, communication systems and
the environment, large flocks of little corellas are a serious risk of aircraft bird-strike.
“Flying the Falcons” is a program of sustained flying over a number of weeks by
several peregrine falcons chasing, but not catching, the little corellas and moving
them away from the Base environment. This environmentally friendly program can
potentially save lives and property, and can be applied at other Defence sites.
In Category Four: Best Individual Contribution to Health and Safety, a High
Commendation was awarded to Lieutenant Commander Tracey Elliott of the Royal
Australian Navy for her new Physical Training and Injury Management Program for
Midshipmen and Cadets at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
The diverse training regime resulted in increased fitness levels for cadets with reduced
injuries. The ADFA injury surveillance report showed a 63 per cent reduction in new
injuries from 2006 to 2007. Also of great significance is the reduction in the number
of days lost to medical restriction, with the 2007 program resulting in a 75 per cent
reduction in lost periods over 2006.
The contribution of Defence OHS Champions is highly valued as the dedication of
these individuals and groups demonstrates the growing commitment to improving
OHS performance within Defence.
Further information and how to enter in the 2009 Defence OHS Awards is available
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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