ComfortDelGro Australia (CDC), Regional Australia Division has been named as a national finalist in the NSCA Foundation/GIO Workers Compensation 28^th Annual National Safety Awards of Excellence to be announced in December.

The digital transformation initiated by CDC’s regional Australia arm to increase the effectiveness of safety messages to its workforce has seen the major bus operator recognised as one of five contenders in this year’s ‘Best Communication of a Safety Message’ category in Australia’s longest running and independent awards, which recognise outstanding work health and safety initiatives.

NSCA Foundation, Event Manager, Richard Cornish said the awards, now in their 28^th year, continue to celebrate organisations and people that actively promote workplace health and safety as a cornerstone of elite business performance.

“The Category 4, ‘Best Communication of a Safety Message Award’, which is sponsored by Ansell, recognises organisations that have effectively and innovatively communicated a WHS/OHS message to their workforce.

“Finalists must be able to demonstrate their communication methods have led to a sustainable improvement in workplace behaviour, performance and all processes,” Mr Cornish said.

CDC Regional Australia Division Chief Executive Officer, Tony Hopkins, who heads CDC businesses in Northern Territory, Queensland, regional NSW, and ACT, congratulated his team on their recognition and dedication to the organisaton’s digital safety evolution.

“Safety is the number one priority in our business. As one of the country’s largest bus operators, and NT’s largest provider, with more than 4400 vehicles nationally, we carry a significant responsibility in the delivery of public, schools and charter services, not to mention our duty of care to 4000-plus employees nation-wide.

“It is incredibly gratifying to see the commitment and innovation shown by our small team behind the inhouse development of our safety communications program – initially rolled-out across the NT and Queensland – now recognised at this level, and amongst such esteemed company as the other national finalists.

“We’re also honoured to represent the safety message of the bus industry in a broad field of industries at this year’s awards,” Mr Hopkins said.

Judges shortlisted 34 finalists across eight categories, based upon their outstanding demonstration of innovation, commitment to safety as a business priority, proven return on investment, and leading work health and safety standards in their industry.

The other Category 4 finalists for 2021 are Bulla Dairy Foods, CBGJ D&C JV (Brisbane’s Cross River Rail partnership), City of Greater Geelong, and Water NSW.

Finalists will be formally recognised, and winners announced, at the 28th National Safety Awards Gala Luncheon on Wednesday, December 8 in Sydney.

This year’s event will be hosted by television sports presenter, reporter, and commentator Stephanie Brantz, with the Royal Australian Navy’s first female pilot Natalee Johnston delivering the keynote presentation.