Tony Dean, who is also the Northern Safety Network chairman, was a finalist for the NSW Leadership in Safety Award, and Teys in the Excellence in Recovery at Work for Business category.

Mr Dean said five Teys people went down to the awards ceremony in Sydney on October 26, where they were able to network and learn about others’ safety efforts.

“It’s always good to meet other organisations that hold safety as a priority, and see them showcasing what they’ve done,” Mr Dean said.

“From my personal perspective, I say thank you to the people that nominated me for the individual award.

“It’s not something you do for those sort of accolades, but to be recognised and given a bit of a pat on the back for the work I do in safety is highly appreciated.

“From Teys’ perspective, it’s just nice to be involved in those sort of events: it gives us an opportunity to show how much we value safety and what we’re trying to do.”

Mr Dean said it was “a great night” and he urged other businesses to nominate themselves, or people to nominate individuals.

“There’s plenty of businesses in Tamworth and the surrounding area that do great things around safety, and I encourage them next year to keep a look out and perhaps consider nominating themselves for one of the categories to showcase what they’re doing,” he said.

Teys was nominated for a program that recognises their workers as “industrial athletes”.

The business brings in a physiotherapist and exercise physiologist to its on-site gym.

It aims to help staffers return to work after an injury, help them avoid one in the first place, or increase their fitness for their current or desired job.

Specialty Fashion Group of Alexandria won the recovery award and Paul Lyndon of Diona, Rouse Hill won the leadership award.