RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

November 13, 2006
DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR RoSPA STAFF

RoSPA is celebrating the achievements of two of its experts in the sphere of occupational health and safety. Roger Bibbings, the Society’s Occupational Safety Adviser, and Karen McDonnell, Head of RoSPA Scotland, have both received prestigious honours from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

Karen, who has worked at RoSPA’s Edinburgh office for 16 years, has been made a Chartered Fellow of IOSH, a status reserved for those demonstrating a sphere of influence beyond the norm. She had to submit a portfolio of evidence to support her application which was scrutinised by a panel of experts.

Roger, already a Chartered Fellow of IOSH, was presented with an IOSH President's Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding contribution to health and safety at work.

The award particularly recognised his contribution to the Managing Occupational Road Risk (MORR) agenda, which seeks to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries in collisions involving someone using the road for work purposes.

Roger, who joined RoSPA in 1994 and is based at the Society’s headquarters in Birmingham, received a certificate from Neil Budworth, outgoing IOSH President. The presentation was made during the Institution’s Midland Branch meeting at which George Wedgewood, a former chairman of the IOSH Specialist Groups Management Committee and Midland Branch, also received the honour.

Tom Mullarkey, Chief Executive of RoSPA, said: “Karen is a consummate professional, well-known in Scotland for her unswerving commitment to safety and her leadership on the subject. This achievement is a tremendous recognition of that dedication.

“Roger has been highlighting the cause of occupational road risk, putting his heart and soul into raising awareness on this critical issue, which is slowly being recognised by Government as a vital agenda item. This award shows the respect he has gained throughout the industry through his thought leadership.”

Commenting on Roger’s award, Neil Budworth said: “This award is given to those who have made a distinguished contribution either to IOSH or to health and safety at work.

“I felt I couldn’t let my presidential year pass by without some public recognition from IOSH to the tremendous job that Roger has done for occupational safety and health. I’ve no doubt that Roger’s work in highlighting the work-related carnage on our roads has helped save many lives.”