A major Edinburgh-based construction firm has won this year's RoSPA Scotland Trophy in recognition of its work to prevent accidents and ill health.

Balfour Beatty Construction Scottish & Southern Ltd was named the winner of the prestigious accolade at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' Occupational Health and Safety Awards ceremony at the Hilton Glasgow last night.

The company, which also won the Construction (Commercial) Sector, impressed the judges with the visible leadership of its board-level health and safety champion, who was involved in all aspects of health and safety management. It also demonstrated strong workforce involvement in risk assessment, monitoring and audit.

The RoSPA Scotland Trophy is presented annually to recognise the highest standard of health and safety management and performance by an organisation based in or operating in Scotland.

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Bob Clark, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Construction Scottish & Southern Limited, said: "We are delighted to have received such a prestigious award as it recognises the efforts of our employees in promoting a safe working culture."

The RoSPA Awards, now in their 53rd year, recognise organisations' commitment to protecting the health and well-being of their employees and others. More than 170 Scotland-based businesses, organisations and projects were honoured through the scheme this year.

Many were presented with their awards last night, while others attended ceremonies in Birmingham in May.

Among the successful organisations were: Expro International Group Ltd, of Dyce – winner of the Oil and Gas Industry Sector; Glasgow-based Hilton UK Hotels Ltd – winner of the Hotel and Catering Industry Sector; and ScottishPower Fleet Business, of Glasgow – which won the Engineering Services Sector and was highly commended in the Managing Occupational Road Risk category. Robert Wiseman Dairies – Glasgow Dairy and Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd, also of Glasgow, were the joint winners of the Food, Drink and Tobacco Manufacturing Industry Sector.

Overall, it was another record-breaking year in the awards scheme, sponsored by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), with more than 1,650 businesses and organisations honoured.

Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA Chief Executive, said: "The RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards are a way of rewarding and highlighting those whose daily contribution keeps us safe and healthy, and we congratulate winners for the commitment they have shown to continuous improvement in this sphere."

(GK/BMcC)