Mitch Self grew up on the edge of Tornado Alley, that flat stretch of the American Mid-West where some of the most violent storms on earth regularly touch down.
But rather than drive away from twisters, as most people tend to do, Mitch actually followed them thanks to his role as a driver for a group of amateur storm chasers working to observe this spectacular atmospheric phenomenom.
The St Louis, Missouri, local - who moved to Adelaide in 2015 - says that this unusual hobby gave him a good grounding in safety and opened his eyes to the dangers of complacency.
"You are studying how the storm operates and making sure that people are safe. The storms over there are completely unpredictable," Mitch said.
"If you noticed something you would call it in and if it was dangerous enough, they would sound the alarm.
"It's a thrill – it's one thing to see a tornado out in the field but when it hits a house, barn or a village it changes everything and you become like a first responder."
This commitment to process has seen Mitch receive the SafeWork SA Health and Safety Representative (HSR) of the Year award, recognising him as one of the state's leading safety advocates.
The award was presented at a recent gathering of more than 330 Health and Safety Representatives from around South Australia at Morphettville Racecourse for the 2026 HSR Forum.
Mitch said he had worked for SA Health since 2020 and had been an HSR for four years.
"I enjoy helping people and if I am going to keep myself safe then I want to help keep others safe too," he said.
"I don't like telling people what to do but if I can coach them so they get a better understanding of how things operate and why it's important, I find it sinks in a little better and I also get a greater sense of satisfaction because you've helped someone."
The primary role of a HSR is to represent a work group on work health and safety (WHS) matters through ongoing consultation and cooperation between workers and management.
Mitch was among 15 finalists honoured at the HSR Forum before being announced the overall HSR of the Year.
SA Health's Distribution Centre supports hospitals, ambulance services and immunisation providers across South Australia through the storage, distribution and delivery of essential medical supplies, vaccines, consumables and equipment.
Mitch is one of six HSRs at the site who run daily toolbox meetings to share information on emerging safety issues with the broader team.
He said that while the HSR of the Year Award was a surprise, it made him think he must be doing something right, and that being approachable, able to freely talk with upper management and finding ways to turn mistakes into learning opportunities were among the most satisfying parts of his role.
"Winning this award gives me a fantastic opportunity to look back on how I have got to this point and see what has worked. But I also want to push forward and keep the momentum going so I can continuously improve for myself and for others," Mitch said.
SafeWork SA launched the HSR of the Year Award in 2025, with intensive care nurse Fiona Noble named the inaugural winner at last year's HSR Forum.
The HSR of the Year Award is a SafeWork SA initiative designed to acknowledge and celebrate the proactive efforts of HSRs who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving workplace safety.
The award is open to all currently elected HSRs in South Australia with nominations submitted by a third-party such as an employee, colleague or union.
SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell said HSRs play "a vital role in collaborating with workers and management to make workplaces safe".
"Mitch's commitment to the safety of his colleagues shone through and he is a great example of the importance of communication and consultation in the HSR role," Mr Farrell said.
