E046:06 19 April 2006

HSE continues support for British Safety Council awards

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is delighted to continue its support of the British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards, which recognise and reward companies who have achieved success in reducing incidents in the workplace.

HSE Chief Executive, Geoffrey Podger, said, “We are pleased to see companies who demonstrate a firm commitment to health and safety being rewarded. Over 200 people each year die at work, the majority as a result of safety failings, failures that can be prevented by companies putting employee health and safety at the top of their agenda.”

British Safety Council Chief Executive, David Ballard, said, “ In the 21 st century, many organisations worldwide are now making health and safety a top priority. Through achieving an International Safety Award, winning organisations are helping to make our vision of a safe working environment a reality.”

Only companies that achieve accident incidence rates, which are better than the industry average for their sector, are eligible to apply. External adjudicators review a variety of documents provided by the applicant, including safety policies, safety plans and the health and safety officers’ qualifications. Winners must also demonstrate board level commitment to health and safety as well as details of significant health and safety advances for the qualifying year. The British Safety Council is still accepting applications for the awards.

The winners will receive their awards at a celebratory banquet at Grosvenor House, Park Lane in London, which this year will be held on Friday 19 May; HSE Deputy Chief Executive Justin McCracken will attend the event.

Notes to editors

1 HSE's job is to help the Health and Safety Commission ensure that risks to people's health and safety from work activities are properly controlled.

2 For further information about the award scheme please contact the British Safety Council’s Corporate Affairs department directly on +44 (0)20 600 5571 / 5598.

3 Applications forms for the International Safety Awards can be downloaded at www.britsafe.org

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