Date: June 22, 2025

Let’s be honest, some people roll their eyes at industry awards. “Just another back-patting exercise,” they say. But the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards? They’re different. Here’s why.

These awards don’t just reward glossy presentations, they highlight initiatives that have saved lives, reduced injuries, and transformed safety cultures. The winners are often innovators and change-makers whose work translates into fewer families getting that late-night phone call.

By showcasing what “great” looks like, the awards create benchmarks for others to follow, raising the bar across Industries. They help businesses see what’s possible, especially those who think good health and safety is just about compliance, not care.

Ultimately, the awards are about people, workers coming home safe because someone cared enough to make a change.

The Innovation Award was won by DairyNZ. They collaborated with QCONZ in the design of novel solutions to reduce common causes of sprains and strains (which account for 40% of dairy farmers’ injury claims). ACC and DairyNZ funded this project as they both have a strong interest in reducing injuries on farm.

QCONZ’s role in the project was project delivery, surveying farmers to understand injuries, cause determination and prioritisation, solution ideation, prototype design, manufacturer engagement, farmer testing/feedback and prototype refinement.

A remarkable outcome is that of the four products developed, three are now commercially available for farmers. These are the Easy-Entry Calf Trailer Gate with KEA Trailers, Easy-Access Calf Pen Gate with Gallagher, and the Easy-Lift Bucket Trolley with Wheelco. A Cups-On Mat with NZMats is currently in development.

This is an award worth celebrating!