The National Safety Awards was evolved by AVIVA NDB Insurance to encourage accident-free workplaces and enhance safety standards in the country and in recognition of the safest workplaces in the country. The awards are presented in collaboration with two state organisations, the Department of Labour and the Employees Trust Fund Board.
This year the National Safety Awards was held at a glittering event attended by leading corporate top management. Gamini Lokuge, Minister of Labour Relations and Productivity Improvement was present as the Chief Guest.
All Island awards were presented to Large Scale (over 250 employees), Medium Scale (125-249 employees) and Small Scale (25-124 employees) organisations. In addition sector awards were awarded to organisations engaged in plantation, apparel and allied industries, manufacturing, processing and engineering services.
Applicants to the award were required to fill in a comprehensive questionnaire that was then carefully validated by a team of top safety professionals who conducted site visits. Participants are required to submit documents related to safety systems in place, injury records, investigations of accidents, fire protection and other methods of ensuring safety for employees.
The All Island winner in the Large Scale category was Melbourne Textile Washing Plant of Wattala, securing the top most coveted position as the country’s safest workplace. While Glaxo Wellcome Ceylon won the first place under the Medium Scale category, Asia Power Station in Sapugaskanda became the Small Scale winner.
“National Safety Awards is an accepted barometre of performance and productivity and a solid framework for corporate accountability. Winning the award demonstrates exemplary professionalism in the arena of industrial safety that the country can be proud of at a national level,” said Shah Rouf, Managing Director of AVIVA NDB.
