Two leading health and safety figures awarded engineering fellowship

Date:

12 July 2010

Two leading figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been awarded a prestigious fellowship for their work within the engineering industry.

HSE Chair, Judith Hackitt, and Head of HSE's Nuclear Directorate, Mike Weightman, were elected as Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the UK's national academy of engineering following its AGM this week.

Academy President Lord Browne of Madingley described the expertise of the elected Fellows as a "unique national resource". Fellows are nominated and elected by industry peers.

Judith is a chemical engineer with more than three decades of industry experience. Her work included roles at Exxon Chemicals, and Elementis Plc where she was Group Risk Manager with worldwide responsibility for health and safety insurance and litigation.

Said Judith: "It is a real accolade to be formally recognised by colleagues in an industry that has shaped my career and one that opened my eyes to the fundamental importance of health and safety."

"In awarding these two fellowships the industry is acknowledging the expertise available within HSE. Regulating industries as diverse as offshore exploration, nuclear power and major construction projects, it is easy to see the significance of engineering to the health and safety of both workers and the wider public."

Mike Weightman, a chartered engineer and chartered physicist, is HM Chief Inspector for Nuclear Installations and Head of HSE's Nuclear Directorate. He is responsible for securing the nuclear safety and security of the civilian nuclear industry and the safety of the defence nuclear industry.

Before HSE, Mike worked in the nuclear industry for 13 years fulfilling a number of management roles associated with research, operations and engineering projects. He also acted as a consultant for a major engineering consultancy and for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Mike said: "Having our contribution recognised by our peers in this way is a great honour.

"We are both passionate about the importance of good engineering to health and safety, and the fellowships recognise HSE's expertise and commitment to ensuring that engineering excellence is at the heart of industry meeting the challenges of the future."

Notes to editors

1. In addition to this latest accolade, Judith Hackitt is already a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, an Ordinary Member of Council of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, a Fellow of the City and Guilds Institute and an Honorary Vice President of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.
2. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk
3. Nuclear Directorate, part of the Health and Safety Executive, is the UK's nuclear regulator. It seeks to secure the protection of people and society from the hazards of the nuclear industry, by ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and by influencing the nuclear industry to create an excellent health, safety and security culture. www.hse.gov.uk/nuclear
4. Founded in 1976, The Royal Academy of Engineering promotes the engineering and technological welfare of the country. Our fellowship - comprising the UK's most eminent engineers - provides the leadership and expertise for our activities, which focus on the relationships between engineering, technology, and the quality of life. As a national academy, we provide independent and impartial advice to Government; work to secure the next generation of engineers; and provide a voice for Britain's engineering community.

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