ScottishPower Fleet Business has been presented with RoSPA's top award for managing occupational road risk.
It was named best of 20 businesses and organisations who were honoured by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents for the way they tackle work-related road safety.
Last year's winner Tesco.com – Home Shopping Deliveries Vans was highly commended and Arriva North East Ltd of Sunderland was commended. Other companies picked up gold, silver or bronze awards.
The winners were announced at RoSPA's Occupational Health and Safety Awards at a gala dinner at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel, at the NEC, on May 13 attended by nearly 1,000 people.
The presentation to ScottishPower Fleet Business was made by Lord Brougham and Vaux, RoSPA Vice-President, for being the company that has most effectively managed its occupational road risks in the last year.
ScottishPower Fleet Business is responsible for supplying and maintaining about 3,400 vehicles for ScottishPower and companies formerly within the ScottishPower Group. While the number of vehicles has increased steadily over the last five years, accident rates have been reduced.
The business is based in Glasgow and employs 56 staff at locations in Scotland, the North West of England and North Wales. It operates 10 internal workshops, which provide a comprehensive range of services to its customers.
ScottishPower Fleet Business plays a leading role in the implementation of MORR policies throughout ScottishPower, including checking of driving licences, accident investigation and auditing. It has been praised for the way it meets the challenges of a utility-based vehicle fleet where employees have other responsibilities, such as cable-jointing and overhead lines. Many drivers have to drive both on and off road, often in the worst conditions after storms and flooding.
Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA Chief Executive, said: "Managing work-related road risk has become increasingly significant in recent years as the requirement for employees to drive has grown. Driving is the most dangerous thing that the majority of people do as part of their job. This award recognises the leaders in the field and the achievements of ScottishPower Fleet Business benefit not only the company and its employees, but also everyone who is on the road around them."
ScottishPower Fleet Business was also highly commended in the Engineering Services Sector of the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety awards, sponsored by NEBOSH.