Vero Insurance and GIO Workers Compensation have recognised businesses from NSW, Victoria, and WA for their outstanding risk management efforts at this year’s RM Advancer Awards. 

NSW-based weatherboard manufacturer Weathertex was awarded the commercial risk prize for its work to implement strategies that mitigated warehouse and supply chain risks.  

Among its noted actions were upgrades to its fire systems, storage capacity and production safety, improved engagement with its suppliers, and a reduction of its fuel usage by 25%.   

Victoria's New Plumbing Solutions took home the award for SME business after reporting a 10.6% reduction in claims frequency, fuelled by a new fleet management system and GPS tracking for its drivers. 

WA mining and construction group KCA Site Services won the workers’ compensation and public liability award. The company was credited for its specialised work health and safety frameworks, which have resulted in reduced claims and a 79% improvement in reporting times. 

And Victoria’s Mt Buller Ski Lifts received the newly introduced Best Continuous Improvement Award, with recognition for its investments in technology and adherence to safety codes to manage high-risk exposures, including bushfires, snow, and skier safety.  

Vero Commercial EGM David Hoffmann confirmed this year’s 17th edition of the awards saw a record number of submissions and remarked on a “consistently high” quality of risk management strategies.  

“Among the entries we saw significant advancements in how businesses use technology for risk management, including the use of AI-powered bushfire camera networks, and drone-based inspections of infrastructure and assets,” Mr Hoffmann said.  

“The variety of entries we saw reinforced the importance of long-term risk management, with businesses proactively addressing risks through consistent, informed, decision-making.”     

Vero and GIO held a ceremony for the awards last Thursday at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne.