RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

November 29 , 2006
RoSPA LAUNCHES 2007 HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARDS PROGRAMME

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has launched its 2007 Occupational Health and Safety Awards and is aiming for another record number of entries.

In 2006, its 50th year, the scheme recognised over 1,300 winners. RoSPA is inviting entries for the 2007 programme from workplaces large and small across the UK and beyond. Both private and public sector organisations have an equal chance of winning these prestigious awards, as do ‘first time’ entries and new firms. Entries are welcome from the full spectrum of employment, including every type of workplace.

Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA Chief Executive, said: "Health and safety is a key component of corporate social responsibility and should be an essential part of every employer’s agenda. The way businesses manage health and safety risks speaks volumes about their organisation. Awards not only provide a target for workers and their managers to aim at, they also are a powerful way of recognising and celebrating success in saving lives and reducing injuries.”

For the second year, the awards are sponsored by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH).

More than half of last year’s winners were previous entrants but there are also a growing number of new entries. The awards range from achievement certificates (Merit up to Gold) recognising individual organisations’ performance, to the competitive Industry Sector awards and the ultimate accolade, the Sir George Earle Trophy. There are also special awards for small and medium-sized businesses, training, occupational health, environmental management and the management of occupational road risk.

Presentations to winners will be made at ceremonies alongside the Safety and Health Expo exhibition and RoSPA’s Occupational Health and Safety Congress at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on May 22 –24, 2007.

Closing date for entries is February 19, 2007. For a brochure and entry details please call 0121 248 2090 or go to www.rospa.com/awards .