RoSPA launches 2003 occupational safety awards

Thousands of businesses and organisations throughout the UK and abroad are being invited to take part in making 2003 a record-breaking year for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Awards.

Now in their 47th year, The RoSPA Safety Awards focus on all sectors of employment and one of the aims of this year's event is to increase entry levels from specific areas such as warehousing and distribution, health services and food and drink manufacturing.

Special emphasis will also be placed on those in quarrying, building products and construction trade, as sponsorship for the 2003 programme is supplied – for the second year - by RMC Group plc, who are a leading global supplier of ready mixed concrete, and producers of aggregates, concrete products and other construction materials.

John Howard, RoSPA Director of Safety Policy, said: "The Awards are not just about reducing the number of accidents and cases of ill health at work, they are also about ensuring that organisations have robust health and safety management systems in place.

"They help to reinforce the message that 'good health and safety is good business' and clearly demonstrate an organisation's commitment to achieving high levels of performance in this crucial area."

Entry is open to all sizes of business and organisation from the UK and overseas, with numerous awards to be won, ranging from Merit, Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates, to Sector awards, and the ultimate accolade, the Sir George Earle Trophy.

Presentations will be made at two special award days, which will be held alongside the 2003 Safety and Health Expo exhibition and RoSPA's Occupational Health and Safety Congress, at the NEC, Birmingham, 21-22 May 2003.

(CL)