RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

June 05, 2002
SAFETY SCHOLARSHIP OFFERED TO SMALL BUSINESSES

Small firms and organisations are being given the chance to improve their health and safety management thanks to a scholarship offered by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Esso Petroleum Company Ltd.

For the past decade the RoSPA/Esso Safety Scholarship has offered help to small businesses who do not have a health and safety officer.

Current legislation requires employers to appoint one or more competent persons to assist in carrying out health and safety duties. This can prove expensive for a small firm, but the scholarship, entirely funded by Esso, could provide a solution.

Applicants are asked to either complete a questionnaire or submit a 500-word essay explaining why and how the award would be of benefit to both themselves and their company.

Winners receive free enrolment to the RoSPA-organised National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health course, which concludes with the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health examination.

Cost of accommodation, travel and course reference books are also provided. The course is held in Birmingham or Edinburgh and worth around £3,000.

Short-listed entrants will be invited to attend an interview with the judging panel. Travel expenses will be refunded. Entries for the scholarship close on July 31, 2002.

Last year’s winners were: Donald McGregor, Managing Director of the Underwater Centre, Fort William; Malcolm North, Health and Safety Co-ordinator of Wolverhampton steel firm, Fellows; and Alan Hunt, a Leading Plant Operator for Slough Heat and Power

Further details and entry forms can be obtained from David Walker or Jackie Bradley, at RoSPA, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Birmingham, B5 7ST, telephone 0121 248 2091.