Health and safety awards celebrate 70 years of workplace excellence

Applications open for 2026 RoSPA Health and Safety Awards

Health and safety professionals across the world are invited to enter the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health and Safety Awards 2026, sponsored by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH).

The awards mark their 70th anniversary in 2026.

They began in 1956 as a small initiative to recognise companies prioritising worker safety in the UK and have since grown into one of the largest international health and safety awards programmes.

According to RoSPA, nearly 2,000 entries were received from almost 50 countries for the 2025 awards.

Recognising global safety achievements

The 70th anniversary provides an opportunity for RoSPA to reflect on workplace safety improvements since the mid-twentieth century.

The organisation said that award winners have played a major part in improving safety culture worldwide.

The 2026 edition will recognise organisations and individuals continuing that tradition, with an emphasis on innovation and the future of safety in modern work environments.

Becky Hickman, Chief Executive at RoSPA, said: “Reaching the 70th anniversary of the RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is an achievement of which RoSPA is incredibly proud.

“It has been a real privilege for RoSPA to celebrate and recognise those organisations and individuals whose tireless efforts prevent accidental deaths and injuries in the workplace.

“This year we are once again looking forwards to honouring those who show their longstanding dedication to the highest health and safety standards by entering year after year, and also inviting new entrants to join RoSPA in working towards our vision of an accident-free world.”

Categories and judging process

The awards are open to organisations of all sizes, from small and medium enterprises to multinational companies.

Main categories focus on organisational safety management systems, while the Inspiration Awards highlight individual and team achievements.

Entrants can receive Gold, Silver, Bronze or Merit non-competitive awards, and sector-specific winners will be chosen in industries such as construction, manufacturing and entertainment.

The top honour, the Sir George Earle Trophy, recognises one organisation annually for outstanding workplace safety commitment.

Aramark UK received the trophy in 2025.

Fran Collison, Safety Director at Aramark UK, said: “The awards process encourages us to reflect on our progress, celebrate our achievements and inspire ourselves to improve further.

“It is also great external recognition, demonstrating our commitment to safety and reinforcing our strong safety culture.

“The award emphasises us as leaders within our industry and strengthens trust with existing clients and customers but also supports our efforts to attract and win new business.”

Judging panel and expert oversight

Entries are assessed by a panel of senior occupational health and safety professionals.

The main judging panel is chaired by Dee Arp, Chief Quality Officer at NEBOSH.

Arp said: “For 70 years, the RoSPA Awards have been a guiding light for what’s possible when safety meets dedication, commitment, and passion.

“Entering not only earns well-deserved recognition for organisations that put their people first — it also inspires a culture where excellence is shared, celebrated, and multiplied.

“Throughout the Awards’ history, thousands of organisations have stepped forward to champion the very best in safety, creating a legacy that continues to lead positive change.

“Entering the RoSPA Awards is a powerful statement: we are stronger together, and keeping people safe, healthy, and well in workplaces around the world is a legacy we must uphold.”

Further details and entry information are available at www.rospa.com/awards.

The importance of awards for safety advancement

The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards continue to highlight evolving best practice and innovation in occupational safety management.

For facility managers, fire safety officers and training coordinators, participation can help benchmark safety standards and identify areas for continuous improvement.

For larger organisations, the structured assessment and feedback from judges offer insights into compliance, workforce wellbeing and operational risk management.

Involvement also provides public recognition that can strengthen safety culture and credibility with clients and regulators.