RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

September 30 , 2005
OFFSHORE CATERERS WIN SCOTLAND’S TOP SAFETY AWARD

A company providing offshore catering, accommodation and facilities management services for the oil industry has won Scotland’s top occupational health and safety award.

The RoSPA Scotland trophy was presented to Aberdeen-based ARAMARK Ltd –Offshore at a ceremony at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel last night, where more than 70 Scottish businesses and organisations were honoured for their health and safety achievements.

The award is for the highest standard of occupational health and safety management and performance by an organisation based in or operating wholly in Scotland.

In May, the company won the Hotel and Catering Industry Sector in the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Occupational Health and Safety Awards for the second year running. The awards were sponsored by global building solutions company CEMEX. About 20 other organisations from around the UK and overseas attended the Scottish ceremony to pick up awards.

ARAMARK’s customers include offshore platforms, drilling rigs, dive support vessels and supply boats.

Universal Sodexho (Scotland) Ltd of Aberdeen were highly commended in the hotel and catering sector.

Susan Elston, Regional Director for ARAMARK Ltd – Offshore, said: “Having already received the sector award for the Hotel and Catering Industry earlier in the year, it was unexpected that this further accolade would be made to us – particularly as it is a cross-industry award. I am delighted for the whole of our team who continue in their commitment to make our workplace a safe environment. Safety is a way of life for the offshore team but it is great when recognition of this kind reinforces the work being done.”

Roger Bibbings, RoSPA Occupational Safety Adviser, said: “All of the winners must be congratulated for leading the field in health and safety. We hope that their success will encourage other businesses and organisations in Scotland to join the awards scheme and show they are making reductions in accidents and ill-health a clear priority.”

The main body of awards – gold, silver, bronze and merit – are for achievement over a set numbers of years. One year for merit, rising to four for gold. Substantial achievement over a longer period can result in Gold Medal, President’s and Order of Distinction awards. Applicants may also enter for sector awards, which are competitive and honour the best businesses and organisations in 18 different sectors.