LETTER RECEIVED FROM MENINGITIS TRUST

I am writing on behalf of the Meningitis Trust to thank the Northern Ireland Safety Group (an organisation that promotes occupational health and safety) for choosing us as their nominated Charity for the proceeds of a ballot held at their annual Safety Quiz

Each year the Northern Ireland Safety Group arranges its June meeting to an external venue where members can learn about health and safety systems in an alternative environment which, perhaps, has unique systems in place with regard to health and safety – this was certainly the case for the out meeting that took place this year.

On 23^rd June, members of the Group travelled to the Central Station of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service where the ‘Specialist Rescue Team’ were their hosts.  Headed by Station Commander Max Joyce, the Specialist Rescue Team are, as their name suggests, a 13 man strong team who can be called upon to attend emergency rescue situations throughout Northern Ireland, but also travel extensively around the world so that others can avail of their specialist knowledge. 

The Northern Ireland Safety Group is delighted to announce that, once again, it has won a prestigious health and safety award in recognition of the work it carries out on behalf of its members.

In previous years the NISG has enjoyed considerable success for the various communications techniques that have be implemented by the Group. However, this year we are delighted that another aspect our work has been recognised. At the annual Alan Butler Awards, hosted by Safety Groups UK, the NISG came first in the Best Seminar/Workshop category. This was in recognition of the excellent CDM Regulations Seminar held by the NISG in October 2007.

The Group’s Public Relations Officer, Jim Pow, travelled to London on 24^th January 2008 where he accepted the award on behalf of the Group at a ceremony in the House of Lords.

Perhaps one of the most successful seminars the NISG have organised was held in the Kings Hall Conference Centre on 22^nd October 2007.  The CDM (NI) Regulations 2007 seminar was attended by 190 delegates.

The seminar was organised in such as way as to ensure that the responsibilities of each of the duty holders specified in the Regulations would be able to see exactly what is expected of them, the duty holders being:-

• The Client
• The Designer
• The CDM Coordinator
• The Principal Contractor
• The Contractor

Lagan Construction and FK Lowry Ltd,Two of Northern Ireland's leading Contractors, have scooped top awards at the 2007 NISO/NISG Occupational Health and Safety Awards.  Lagan Constrcution won the Northern ireland Award whiel FK Lowry won the Specialist Contractor Award in the Consturction category.

Chair of the NISG, Jim Leitch paid tribute to both companies.  "The recipients of these awards must demonstrate that health and safety is at the heart of what they do and Lagan Construction and FK Lowry Ltd are to be congratulated on their respective achievements."  Jim added"  Once again, Northern Ireland companies did extremely well and I would also commend the following companies who received commendations and merits:-

Clarke Group Homes Division

Pritichitts

Tal Ltd

Farrans (Construction) Ltd

Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment

Schrader Electronics Ltd