Schools Time to nominate for HSR of the Year

It can be a demanding job looking after the wellbeing of everyone in your workplace, says George Georgostathis, winner of last year’s AEU Health and Safety Rep (HSR) Award. But it’s a vitally important role that he takes pride in fulfilling to the best of his ability at Gladstone Park Secondary College.

“The reason I put my hand up was because I actually want to make a difference,” says George. “I wanted to improve the awareness of occupational safety in our workplace.”

As the president of Gladstone Park’s AEU sub-branch, he is fully invested in protecting both the physical and mental health of all school staff. “I don’t see myself as a superhero, but I do see myself as the person you can come to, to address any issue. The vast majority of health and safety issues are about mental wellbeing.”

George says it’s important to maintain that voice in the workplace, looking out for everyone. “We’ve all got a duty of care to keep the workplace safe, but the ultimate responsibility does rest on the employer,” he says. “I’ll reiterate that as much as possible, to ensure they’re putting in measures to minimise risk. It’s a good challenge.”