MPA is Finalist for SME Assistance in 2012 RoSPA Occupational Health & Safety Awards

The support that the Mineral Products Association (MPA) gives to SMEs has been recognised in the 2012 Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health &Safety Awards, where MPA is a finalist in the SME Assistance category. The overall winner in this and other categories will be announced at a RoSPA award dinner on 16 May 2012.

Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive MPA, said "It is great news that MPA's involvement of SME members in its health and safety activities and support for these companies has shone through in this long-standing and highly-esteemed award scheme. Independent SME companies throughout the UK make up of the vast majority of MPA members and we value their input and take their needs into account when developing the various tools we offer. We await the final results with anticipation..."

The RoSPA SME Assistance Trophy, sponsored by BHSF Ltd, recognises the most outstanding contribution made by a trade association or similar body to providing health and safety assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Criteria which are judged include:
• Evidence and needs led services
• Developed with input from SMEs
• Addressing priority issues
• Working in partnership
• Using novel methods of intervention and influence
• Sensitive to SME needs
• Evaluating impact and effectiveness
• Capable of replication
• Sustainability
The SME Assistance Trophy judging panel select the overall winner based on corroborated information from an initial written nomination and an interview.

Nigel Jackson added, "Health and safety is a number one priority for MPA and our members, which makes it particularly gratifying for our work with SMEs in this area to be recognised and shortlisted."