RoSPA takes safety awards
Keywords Health and safety, Awards, Homeworking
Now is the time for companies to show their commitment to safety at work by applying for the UK's leading safety awards, RoSPA's 2000 Occupational Health& Safety Awards, sponsored by RMC Group plc.
With over 870 winners in 1999 the awards have become the industry standard as more organisations put health and safety as a management priority.
"The world of work is changing rapidly and there has never been a greater need for an integrated health and safety policy. The rise of the 'small business' - at present there are over 3 million in the UK - and the increase in home-working and outsourcing of work by larger companies are all influencing the way we deal with health and safety", said Roger Bibbings, RoSPA Occupational Safety Advisor.
"These awards are not just about reducing the number of accidents and cases of ill health at work. They concentrate on how well a company's health and safety management systems work. We want to give credit for 'how much they have got right' rather than 'how little they have got wrong'".
To reflect these changes RoSPA has spent the last two years refining its awards programme. This included widening the judging panel to involve more industry representatives and creating a new award for excellence in the management of occupational health, The Astor Trophy.
It is also encouraging small firms to apply for an award, as all businesses have an equal chance of winning. Awards to be won range from Merit, Bronze,Silver and Gold to the ultimate accolade, the Sir George Earle Trophy.
RoSPA has also strengthened its links with RMC Group plc, the world's leading supplier of ready mixed concrete, who are sponsoring the awards for the second year running. Special emphasis will also be made in RMC's own industry quarrying, building products and general construction trades.
Presentations to the Award 2000 winners were made on two special days (10 and 11 May) alongside the Safety and Health at Work 2000 exhibition and RoSPA's Occupational Safety and Health Congress at the National Exhibition Centre,Birmingham from 8 to 11 May 2000. Some presentations will also be made at RoSPA Scotland in September 2000.
