Falkirk, Scotland, UK: Asda’s chilled distribution centre in Falkirk has won a Distinction Award from the British Safety Council.
Over 600 entries were received and the chilled food distribution centre in Abbots Road was one of only 33 who picked up the top accolade. General manager Andy Ballantine and the depot’s health and safety manager David McEwan were at the ceremony in London, to receive a citation and collect their award.
Speaking after the gala reception, Andy said: “I would like to say how proud I am of the team at Falkirk CDC for the Distinction award, It highlights that the processes and procedures in place to drive safety under Dave’s leadership are amongst the best in the country.”
The depot receives an annual audit from the British Safety Council. For the last two years it has received a five-star audit and was encouraged to go for the prestigious International Award, receiving a maximum score.
The award has been described as a “team effort” by the 700 workers employed at the site which handles over 1.1 million cases each week supplying 50 Scottish stores with chilled and frozen goods and 13 Irish stores with frozen products.
However, as well as ensuring safety, managers promote a healthy wellbeing environment for the employees, including healthy eating workshops, health checks, a cycle to work scheme and encourage other national initiatives.
The International Safety Awards are open to all industries and sectors from across the globe and are independently adjudicated. They are seen as an excellent motivator for business looking to attain high standards in workplace health and safety.
Julie Nerney, British Safety Council chief executive, said: “This year we decided to raise the bar for the International Safety Awards and by doing so, we have seen an exceptional standard of applications.
“I would like to congratulate all the winners on this achievement and they should all be very proud.
“It is great to have such dedicated organisations with us on the journey towards excellent health and safety standards.”
