STUC Announces Inaugural Frank Maguire Award for Health and Safety

April 25th 2012

STUC Announces Inaugural Frank Maguire Award for Health and Safety

April 25th 2012

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) has announced that the recipients of this year’s health and safety award is Colin Gourlay, Lead Prospect Health and Safety Representative at Babcock in Rosyth

The award which is in its fifth year has been renamed in memory of Frank Maguire, Senior Partner at Thompson’s Solicitors, long standing friend of the trade union movement and outstanding campaigner for justice and fair treatment for all, in the workplace and in society.

Babcock in Rosyth are currently undertaking final assembly of the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, a project that has provided much needed employment opportunities for Fife and beyond. Clearly a project of this size poses challenges for managing health and safety on the site. Grahame Smith STUC General Secretary said

“Colin has clearly demonstrated the difference that trade union health and safety representatives make in the workplace, he has worked tirelessly to retain and recruit health and safety representatives for Prospect as well as working with colleagues, management, other trade union as well as Prospect members at other sites involved in this project.

“The outstanding effort made by Colin and the thoroughness of his approach to health and safety make him a worthy recipient of this year’s award.

“The STUC have been impressed by the approach his employers, Babcock, have taken to engage with their trade unions to improve health and safety and the effort of Colin to ensure that the aim of Babcock that everyone goes “Home Safe Every Day” is met.

Patrick McGuire, partner in Thompsons Scotland said

“Everyone at Thompsons is delighted that the STUC has renamed their health and safety in memory of Frank in recognition of his effort to fight for justice for those injured or made ill at work.

“Frank’s view was always that Thompson’s priority should be to prevent workplace accidents and injustice and work together, not just with the trade union movement but with anyone who shares this belief. “Colin clearly demonstrates that his interest in promoting health and safety and preventing accidents goes beyond the factory gates, and shows that, by working with employers, workplaces can be safe and businesses can be successful.

ENDS

For further information please contact Ian Tasker 0141 337 8100