“Some business owners may have been too busy to devote the time to focus on their entry for the Safe Work Awards, so we have decided to extend the closing date for entries from 11 July to Monday 21 July 2008,” WorkCover NSW CEO Jon Blackwell said today.

“Also in previous years we have received a rush of last-minute entries, and so this extension will assist and encourage the businesses that have partially completed their entries not to give up, but to finish them within the new timeframe,” said Mr Blackwell.

“Any business that has developed an innovative occupational health and safety solution or initiative – however simple - should consider entering the awards,” he said.

The annual SafeWork Awards showcase innovation and excellence and recognise best practice by highlighting industry achievement in workplace safety.

“The awards also provide an opportunity for local workplaces to receive state-wide recognition for their occupational health and safety achievements,” Mr Blackwell said.

“Entries can include a specific project or a group of initiatives that have improved safety in a workplace such as enhancements to equipment, a new work process or better communication strategies.

“Entries can address any safety issue specific to an individual workplace - big or small - or can be an initiative that can be used by other businesses,” said Mr Blackwell.

Winning entries from the WorkCover NSW 2008 SafeWork Awards are automatically submitted into the National Safety Awards held in Canberra.

Nominations for the 2008 Awards will now close on Monday 21 July 2008, with employers and workers invited to submit written entries in five categories:

• Best Workplace Health and Safety Management System
• Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue
• Best Workplace Health and Safety Practices in Small Business
• Public Sector Leadership Award for Injury Prevention and Management
• Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety

For more information call 13 10 50 or visit the website at www.safeworkawards.com.au

Media contact: John Kirby , Senior Media officer (02) 4321 5474 or  0413 186 799