Australian family-owned business Nilsen has won icare’s Aware Award after reducing workers’ compensation claims by 75%.

The company provides installation, maintenance and manufacturing services to clients such as Coles, Sydney Airport and Sydney Light Rail. Its workers are dispersed and often work alone.

icare says Nilsen embedded a strong safety culture across the 100-year-old business with a “Think Safe Act Safe” mantra and represented excellence in injury prevention.

"Nilsen's story is a great example of the importance of communication and leadership when it comes to building a strong safety culture," icare's Injury Prevention Manager Jennifer Cameron said.

“The company has implemented an uncomplicated safety management system that supports their culture and enables success. Key elements of this system include plain English policies and procedures, risk profiles specific to each site or contract and regular toolbox talks on a range of safety topics.”

Its simple but strong safety management system has led to lower claims costs and a marked increase in incident reporting as Nilsen workers feel confident to speak up openly and regularly about safety matters.

A company-wide campaign called 'Speak out for Safety' encouraged workers to report anything that did not look safe.

Nilsen's directors also regularly visit Nilsen's operations to speak directly with managers and workers and discuss safety and injury performance.