BOLTON-based contractor Forrest has won a top award.

The firm has been recognised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ (RoSPA) — scooping the Gold Occupational Health and Safety Award for the seventh year running.

The national award scheme was launched in 1956 and recognises commitment to health and safety at work. Entrants are judged on four levels and Forrest’s management systems, processes to control risk and its records saw it achieve the highest level accreditation of gold.

Peter Aspin, health and safety manager at Forrest, said: “Health and safety is of core importance to the construction industry – ultimately having good processes saves lives.

"This award recognises that we ensure our team’s working environment meets the highest of standards so that they and the communities they serve remain safe.

“It’s a fantastic achievement to be awarded the highest RoSPA level award for the seventh consecutive year and we’re proud to be recognised as a UK leader in this key area.”

David Rawlins, RoSPA awards manager, added: “The RoSPA Awards encourage improvement in occupational health and safety management. Organisations that gain recognition for their health and safety management systems, such as Forrest, contribute to raising standards overall and we congratulate them.”