10 June 2009 – DWP health and safety award win

Efforts to improve workplace safety at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have been recognised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), with DWP winning a silver Occupational Health and Safety Award 2009.

The RoSPA award judged by a panel of health and safety experts and presented at a ceremony in Birmingham, recognises the progress DWP and the businesses have made in developing their safety management systems.

Jonathan Russell, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at DWP said:

“The award is testimony to all those involved in the Department who have worked hard to improve standards and ensure health and safety is embedded into management practices.

“Of course, we remain dedicated to continuous improvements in health and safety, but RoSPA have recognised, by granting this award, that we have the right systems and practices in place and the progress we have made."

David Rawlins, RoSPA awards manager, said:

“DWP has shown a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its employees and others.  Entering the RoSPA Awards reinforces the message that good health and safety is good for business, and clearly demonstrates an organisation’s dedication to improving performance in this crucial area.”

The RoSPA awards are not just about reducing the number of accidents and cases of ill-health at work - they also help to ensure that organisations have good health and safety management systems in place.

For further information please contact John Stevenson at DWP press office on 0203 267 5126.

Media Enquiries: 0203 267 5126

Out of hours: 07659 108 883

Website: www.dwp.gov.uk