KIRKLEES manufacturers putting the accent on health and safety could be in with a chance of winning an award.

The EEF manufacturers’ organisation and RK Harrison Insurance Services have launched a new health and safety award as part of the fifth national Future Manufacturing Awards.

The prize will go to the company that has made the most significant progress in improving the health and safety culture of the workplace by introducing new ideas or developing existing provision.

The Future Manufacturing Awards is now in its fifth year and recognised as a leading awards programme in the manufacturing sector. It offers manufacturers and apprentices from across the UK the chance to showcase their achievements across seven different award categories – business growth, people and skills, innovation, export, health and safety, environment and education.

The awards, which are free to enter, will be judged in five regions across the UK. Regional winners will be announced at celebration events in November. The regional winners will then compete for the national awards at a prestigious ceremony next January in London.

Terry Scuoler, EEF chief executive, said: “The Future Manufacturing Awards has established itself as the biggest and most prestigious event in the manufacturing sector.

“As a response to the programme’s popularity, I am pleased to announce that we have increased the number of categories and awards so that more of your business units can take part.”

The awards are open now to all UK manufacturers. The closing date is Friday July 19. Go to www.eef.org.uk/awards