Goldene Securitas 2025 Honors Austrian Companies for Outstanding Workplace Safety

The annual Goldene Securitas awards have once again recognized Austrian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for exemplary practices in employee safety and health protection. Organized jointly by the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ) and the General Accident Insurance Institution (AUVA), the awards celebrate businesses demonstrating exceptional commitment to creating safe and healthy work environments.

Now in its eleventh year, the Goldene Securitas awards evaluate companies in three distinct categories, with each category focusing on a different aspect of occupational safety and workforce wellbeing. A panel comprised of experts from both WKÖ and AUVA selects up to five nominees for each category, with one winner ultimately chosen per section. All nominees receive recognition for their initiatives, emphasizing the collective importance of prioritizing employee safety across the business landscape.

Category 1: Safe and Healthy Workplaces

This category acknowledges companies that have effectively implemented measures to prevent workplace accidents and occupational diseases. By taking proactive steps to safeguard their employees, these businesses set benchmarks in workplace health and safety. The 2025 award in this category was presented to Roomle GmbH, based in Linz. Additional nominees included Adolf Heuberger Eloxieranstalt GmbH, Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG, Wolfinger Holzbau GmbH, and Zahnarztpraxis Dr. Kaiser.

Category 2: Innovation in Safety

The second category spotlights organizations introducing creative and innovative approaches to accident prevention and health promotion. These companies develop new solutions and strategies to make work environments safer in the long term. The 2025 winner was Pro Mente Salzburg - Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft für Arbeitsrehabilitation mbH, with aap Holz GmbH, Aichinger Kanalservice GmbH, Wallner Stefan - Malereibetrieb, and Wopfinger Transportbeton Ges.m.b.H. named as nominees.

Category 3: Diversity as a Success Factor

The third category highlights businesses that leverage workforce diversity as a strength, fostering inclusive environments where varied backgrounds, skills, and experiences contribute to a secure and successful workplace. Purkarthofer Eis from Fernitz-Mellach received the award for its commitment to diversity and workplace harmony, while Ketchum GmbH and Zahnarztpraxis Dr. Kaiser were also recognized as nominees.

The Goldene Securitas initiative serves as a platform to showcase best practices and inspire other organizations to invest in occupational safety and health. The selection committee notes that companies actively pursuing safety and health measures often experience reduced absenteeism and greater employee satisfaction, which can lead to lower turnover rates--an increasingly important factor given the current shortage of skilled labor in many sectors.

AUVA and WKÖ emphasize their ongoing support for Austrian businesses in creating safer workplaces, offering services ranging from professional consultation to hands-on implementation of prevention strategies. The organizations stress that while investing in safety may involve upfront resources, the long-term benefits, including cost savings from reduced workplace incidents and a healthier, more motivated workforce, far outweigh the initial investment.

The Goldene Securitas 2025 winners stand as examples of how strategic approaches to safety and diversity can contribute not only to employee wellbeing but also to overall business success. The recognition underscores the value of continuous improvement and innovation in occupational safety, encouraging more companies to adopt similar initiatives for the benefit of their staff and the wider economy.