May 2009 - Northgate wins international health and safety award from British Safety Council
Northgate, the UK's largest vehicle rental business with over 65,000 vehicles nationwide, has had its reputation for promoting health and safety to employees and customers further underlined with its second prestigious award this year.
The Darlington-based company, which also has significant rental operations in the Republic of Ireland and Spain, has won a British Safety Council International Safety Award.
The award, which will be presented at a winners' banquet at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London on Friday, May 15, comes hard on the heels of the company winning a prestigious Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' (RoSPA) 2009 Gold Award.
The BSC Award has been won following rigorous assessment by an independent adjudication panel established by one of the world's leading health and safety training, advisory and audit bodies.
To win a much sought after International Safety Award, Northgate had to demonstrate that it has in place comprehensive health and safety policies, targeted plans and a clear commitment to health and safety from the shop floor to the boardroom.
Northgate also had to highlight how it promotes a positive safety culture, demonstrate the competence of those responsible for the management of health and safety and provide clear evidence about the improvements achieved in health and safety during 2008.
In recognising Northgate's achievement, Brian Nimick, the BSC's chief executive, said: "For more than 50 years, BSC has led the way in promoting health, safety and environmental best practice in society. In the 21st century, many organisations worldwide are understandably making health, safety and environmental management their top priority. Through achieving an International Safety Award, Northgate is helping to make our vision of a healthy and safe working environment a reality."
Colin Gilstin, Northgate's health and safety manager, said: "We are delighted the British Safety Council has recognised the importance and significance that Northgate places on health and safety and we believe this award once again demonstrates our commitment in having a strong and robust safety management system.
"We want to lead from the front where safety's concerned, particularly within our industry. We see this award, as well as the recent announcement of our first gold award from RoSPA, as recognition for every employee within the company as it could not have been achieved without their full support and co-operation."
