And the winner is.....

The inaugural Ross Wilson NZCTU Most Influential Employee category was awarded to Geoffrey Reed, a Meatworkers Union member from Oamaru who works for Alliance. Geoffrey Reed has been an elected H&S rep for over 3 years and has worked hard to earn the respect of management in his workplace. “At first this was difficult,” says Geoffrey. “But when they saw I was not going to be sidetracked away from the main issues, I received more respect”, said Geoffrey. 

Rosaleen Loughman, CTU H&S organiser and one of the judges for the awards says it’s very humbling to be part of the Safeguard Awards seeing people achieving positive change in their workplace and receiving due recognition. 

It’s important for H&S reps to be acknowledged for their contribution in making workplaces safer. All finalists have shown a commitment to protecting their fellow workmates and that is to be commended said Rosaleen Loughman.  ‘Many of us can sit comfortably and chat about what needs to be done to make the workplace a better safer place, but those who actually make the change deserve the respect and gratitude of their co-workers and employers.’  The finalists of this award and the many elected and trained health and safety representatives have a hugely positive effect on workplace health, safety and wellbeing. 

All finalists have completed the CTU/ACC joint venture Work Safe reps training programme. Geoffrey Reed has completed all three levels of training in the past three years.  Geoffrey’s message to employers is to say that ‘there are 1000’s of health and safety representatives in the workplace – use us!’ 

Carol Beaumont, CTU Secretary (right) congratulates the winner of the Ross Wilson - Most Influential Employee award, Geoffrey Reed, while CTU H&S Organiser Rosaleen Loughman looks on.