The Chief Executive Officer of Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has paid tribute to the organisations former president Lord Bill McKenzie who has passed away. During his time as president, Lord McKenzie had ministerial responsibility for safety and health at work from 2007-2010. During this time, the number of fatal accidents in Great Britain’s work places dropped by more than a third.

Errol Taylor, Chief Executive Officer at RoSPA said: “It is with great sadness that all of us at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), learnt of the death of Lord Bill McKenzie, President of RoSPA between 2013 and 2019. Bill’s immense contribution to RoSPA as President, and to the world of health and safety at large, will always be recognised.

“Among the highlights of his time as our President, Bill hosted nine RoSPA Health and Safety Awards gala dinners, personally presented 118 awards to winners and celebrated the very best in occupational safety & health.

“He was delightful to work alongside, bringing good humour, integrity, a passion for inclusivity and a razor-sharp intellect. Bill dedicated his life to public service, and he will be sorely missed by all of us in the safety community.

“Our thoughts are with Bill’s family. May he rest in peace.”