A free hospitality worker wellbeing program from Tasmania has taken out the highest honour in Australian workplace safety, winning the Pinnacle Award at the 33rd National Safety Awards of Excellence.
HOSPO Health – Hospitality Tasmania was named the overall winner at the gala dinner held at Shangri-La Sydney on 5 November 2026, presented in partnership with naming sponsor HSI Donesafe. The Pinnacle Award recognises the standout entry from across all categories, representing the best of best-practice work health and safety in Australia and New Zealand.
HOSPO Health, which provides free health and wellbeing support services for hospitality workers, also took out Category 6: Best Safety Leadership Program or Initiative — defeating finalists from APA Group, Bupa Villages and Aged Care, SA Water/SUEZ and Service Stream.
The win is a remarkable result for a grassroots program from a niche sector, claiming the top honour against large, well-resourced corporate entrants from across the country.
Eleven category winners were announced on the night across industry, government and individual entrants:
- Category 1 — Best Continuous Improvement of a WHS Management System: Telstra Group Limited
- Category 2A — Best Solution of a WHS Risk (Small-Medium Business): Itero Australia Pty Ltd
- Category 2B — Best Solution of a WHS Risk (Large Business): Altus Group
- Category 3 — Best WHS Training Program: Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)
- Category 4 — Best Communication of a Safety Message: VENTIA and Opal (Noble Agency) (Joint Winners)
- Category 5 — Ian Chisholm Award for Best Individual WHS Achievement: Adam Kett, Fortescue
- Category 6 — Best Safety Leadership Program/Initiative: HOSPO Health – Hospitality Tasmania
- Category 7 — Best Wellbeing Program: Elecnor Australia
- Category 8 — Best Return & Recovery at Work System: Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service
- Category 9 — Best Solution for Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work: Newcastle Greater Mutual Group Ltd
- Category 10 — Best WHS Commercial Product or Service Innovation: ProTx
- Category 11 — Best Safety Team: Mitchell Services
Winners were drawn from a wide range of industries including telecommunications, media and broadcasting, resources, healthcare, construction and infrastructure, and financial services — demonstrating the breadth of safety innovation taking place across the Australian economy.
Now in its 33rd year, the National Safety Awards of Excellence remains Australia’s longest-running and most prestigious independent WHS recognition program, open to any Australian or New Zealand organisation, business or individual in the public or private sector.
Congratulations to all winners and finalists.
