Success for local groups that strive to make workplaces safer

Awards have been presented to 18 voluntary groups that aim to make workplaces in their local areas safer and healthier.

The annual Alan Butler Awards recognise the achievements of groups which form the Safety Groups UK movement.

Around 70 groups form the nationwide network and they consist of safety and health professionals from businesses and organisations who give up their time freeof- charge to offer practical help and advice to other employers in their area, particularly small firms. Most of the awards were presented by Kerry Ross, chairman of Safety Groups UK, at a luncheon at the House of Lords.

The judging process considered how groups communicated with members, other health and safety organisations and the wider community; which topics and speakers were included in groups' annual programmes or seminars; how groups supported the HSE and its strategy; how groups encouraged retention and recruitment of members; and, what single achievement each group was most proud of during 2011. For a list of winners, see: www.safetygroups uk.org.uk.