Efforts to make mining safer and more sustainable took centre stage at BHP’s 2025 Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Awards, held in Melbourne last week.
Now in its 22nd year, the awards recognise the people and teams behind projects that reduce risk, protect wellbeing and strengthen BHP’s culture of safety and care. This year’s program drew nearly 400 nominations across six categories, reflecting a strong pipeline of innovation from across the company’s global operations.
BHP chief executive officer Mike Henry said the awards celebrate the ideas and values that drive progress across the business.
“Every day, we have the opportunity to have a positive impact on performance, those around us, and the world – doing what’s right, seeking better ways and making a difference. In their own way, each finalist has lived these values,” he said.
In the Safety, Security and Emergency Management category, the Robotic Cathode Stripping Machine from Copper SA, Global Operations, led by Brett Harris, earned top honours for reducing manual handling risks and improving process safety.
The Health and Hygiene category recognised the Reducing Musculoskeletal Injuries project by Operations Services, Minerals Australia, represented by Kerry Knight, for its focus on physical and mental wellbeing across workforces.
The People’s Choice Award, voted by BHP employees worldwide, went to the Digital Shunt Plans initiative from WAIO, Minerals Australia, which enhances planning safety and operational efficiency.
Each winning project received prize money donated to a nominated not-for-profit organisation, extending the impact of these initiatives beyond BHP’s sites.
“Behind every winning project are everyday heroes whose commitment helps strengthen our shared focus on safety, inclusion and sustainability,” BHP said in a statement.
Subscribe to Safe to Work for the safety news that matters most to the Australian mining industry.