A SOUTHERN Ports stevedore from the Port of Esperance has been named Western Australia’s Health and Safety Representative of the Year, earning recognition ahead of nominees from some of the state’s largest employers.
George Cook, a stevedore and general hand at the Port of Esperance, received the honour at the 2026 Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards, presented by industrial relations minister Simone McGurk at Optus Stadium.
The annual awards recognise individuals and organisations making significant contributions to workplace health and safety across WA. This year’s awards attracted 85 nominations and featured 29 finalists across eight categories, with winners drawn from sectors including mining, emergency services, construction and recruitment.
Mr Cook has worked at the Port of Esperance since 2020 and is currently serving his second term as a health and safety representative. He was recognised for his commitment to improving safety outcomes at the port through identifying risks, advocating for colleagues and helping implement practical safety solutions.
“While distinguishing right and wrong in some circumstances might be difficult, when it comes to safety in the workplace, it all becomes pretty black and white – it’s an easy subject to address,” Mr Cook said.
“I’ve built a lot of trust with the people I work with and they know I’m here for them.”
Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said the award highlighted the important role frontline workers play in shaping safety culture across the organisation.
“Across our ports we have some fantastic health and safety representatives and George is a prime example of that,” Mr Wilks said.
“He is someone who uses his firsthand knowledge, experience and situational awareness to ensure a safe workplace while being a voice for his colleagues.”
Mr Wilks said Mr Cook’s approach reflected Southern Ports’ commitment to prioritising safety at all levels of the business.
The recognition comes amid a strong period for Southern Ports’ safety programs. The port authority was recognised for safety leadership at the National Safety Awards last year and has also been shortlisted in the safety category of the 2026 DCN Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards.
Southern Ports was represented elsewhere at the Work Health and Safety Excellence Awards, with its Port of Albany navigational aids renewal and upgrade project named a finalist in the Best Solution to a Work Health and Safety Risk category for organisations with more than 200 employees.
Speaking at the awards, Ms McGurk said the program recognised outstanding health and safety management, innovation and leadership across Western Australian workplaces.
“Workplace safety needs to be embedded in both workplace culture and practice because every single one of us deserves to return home safe and healthy from work every day,” she said.