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USHA Annual Awards

USHA Achievement Awards

Every year USHA celebrates and recognises the hard work and dedication of our peers in the sector through the USHA achievement awards show. We are inviting nominations from individuals, teams, departments or institutions who have demonstrated inspirational, innovative and progressive work that has led to sustained improvements in the safety, health and wellbeing of our staff, and students. This can be one-off projects, changes to work activities and ongoing initiatives.

In 2024 candidates had the opportunity to compete for awards across five distinct categories, with winners announced at the USHA 52nd conference.

The nomination for the annual USHA Achievement awards are now closed and will reopen in Summer 2025.

The nomination requires a statement from a Senior Stakeholder.

The nominations should demonstrate the work was completed in the academic year of the award, eg 23/24 for the 2024 award.

Where an individual is nominated, the nomination must not come from the person themselves.

The people / teams being nominated should be advised by the nominating person that they have been put forward for an award.

Nominations must be made using the application form below and submitted in soft copy format to [email protected].

All nominations will receive a response to advise if they have been shortlisted ahead of the USHA conference.

The winner in each category will receive a trophy and their work will be profiled on the USHA website.

The deadline for submissions was 31 July 2024.

Donwload USHA awards guide and application form 2023-24

Past Award Winners

Health and Safety Award

The Health and Safety Service (HSS) team at the University developed a comprehensive approach to risk management by leveraging SharePoint and Power BI. This system generates interactive, real-time graphical representations of health and safety exposures, providing a clear, up-to-date view of risks across the institution.

A key part of this initiative was the creation of local Risk Management and Risk Assessment Registers (RMRAR). These registers allow each department, college, or service to identify which of the 57 institutional health and safety risk areas are applicable to their specific operations, and to implement controls accordingly. The approach empowers departments to take ownership of their own risks, ensuring that safety measures are tailored to their unique needs while still aligning with the institution’s broader health and safety framework.

By integrating these tools, the HSS team streamlined the risk management process, improved accessibility to critical safety data, and fostered a culture of proactive risk control throughout the university. The use of real-time data and user-friendly dashboards has not only enhanced decision-making but also increased the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall risk management system.

The University of Reading’s Corporate Emergency Exercise Programme, led by Brett Dyson, has set a high standard for emergency preparedness. Since its inception in 2021, this biannual programme has significantly enhanced the university’s emergency response capabilities through meticulously planned tabletop exercises that bring together staff from various departments. The programme has not only improved the institution’s readiness for high-impact, low-likelihood events but also fostered a culture of continuous learning and collaboration across the university. Brett’s initiative has been instrumental in identifying vulnerabilities, raising awareness, and driving organizational improvements, culminating in comprehensive post-exercise reports that outline key recommendations for enhancing safety and preparedness.

Olga initiated a glove recycling scheme, overcoming supply chain and academic resistance, which received positive feedback. Additionally, she introduced a new aqueous waste stream, enhancing laboratory safety by preventing improper waste disposal. Her leadership in publishing a chemical inventory management article has fostered collaboration and shared expertise with other institutions. Olga’s dedication and innovative solutions have left a lasting, positive impact on the health and safety culture at Imperial College London. Want to learn more about Glove Recylcing? Contact Faculty of Natural Sciences Safety team via [email protected]

Fire Safety Award

University Safety Services at the University of East Anglia introduced an innovative zoning system to tackle fire safety challenges in a hybrid working environment. This system strategically identified Fire Warden stations and provided clear instructions and safety measures to ensure all areas were covered, whether staff were on-site or working remotely.

The zoning approach not only addressed the logistical difficulties of hybrid working but also enhanced fire safety preparedness by ensuring Fire Wardens had clear responsibilities and were equipped with the right tools. The initiative led to improved clarity in safety protocols and strengthened the overall fire safety culture across the university.

Iain Hamilton and Andrew Smith from Coventry University have spearheaded a transformative initiative in fire safety across the university’s estate. Undertaking comprehensive surveys in 2020 and 2023, they identified critical areas for improvement in fire doors, electrical systems, fire alarms, and fire dampers, focusing particularly on enhancing safety in student accommodation and a specific basement teaching area. Their proactive approach anticipated the 2022 and 2023 fire safety legislation, securing funding and engaging trusted contractors to swiftly implement a robust remedial programme integrated with enhanced CAFM systems. This initiative not only ensures immediate safety improvements but also sets a precedent for sustainable building safety practices at Coventry University.

 progressive approach to fire safety at the university emphasises engagement and a holistic approach to disabled emergency egress. This approach is rooted in regular consultations among all university stakeholders, fostering a genuine partnership based on trust, respect, and cooperation. The establishment of a Fire Board in 2018, chaired by the Director of Estates, marked a significant shift, enabling improved tracking of fire safety actions and fostering collaboration across departments. Efforts include producing annual fire safety reports and feedback mechanisms to drive continuous improvement. In 2021, a focus on enhancing disabled emergency egress was implemented through a comprehensive workshop that brought together various university departments and student representatives. This initiative aimed to streamline Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and General Emergency Evacuation Plans (GEEPs), ensuring a coordinated and inclusive approach. Innovative steps, such as producing evacuation route videos and training community first aiders, underscore a commitment to safety. Leadership and collaboration have been key, with strong support from the Director of Estates and active engagement from all stakeholders, paving the way for ongoing improvements and sustainable safety practices.

Health and Wellbeing Award

The workshops were specifically tailored to foster open communication and understanding about stress, its triggers, and its impact on both individuals and teams. By integrating the unique perspectives of HR, which provided policy and people management insight, with Occupational Health’s focus on individual wellbeing, and Health & Safety’s expertise in risk assessment and mitigation, the initiative ensured a comprehensive approach to tackling this critical issue.

A key component of the workshops was equipping staff and managers with practical tools and techniques to recognise early signs of stress, manage workloads more effectively, and create an environment where concerns could be raised and addressed in a supportive manner. This was complemented by guidance on escalation routes and the resources available for ongoing support, thereby embedding a culture of care and collaboration.

Feedback from participants highlighted not only the immediate impact of the workshops in improving awareness and confidence in addressing stress but also the longer-term potential for fostering a more resilient and supportive workplace culture.

This proactive and interdisciplinary approach sets a benchmark for addressing work-related stress and demonstrates the value of collaboration in achieving meaningful outcomes for staff wellbeing.

After the pandemic, the Central Health and Safety team at Derby University undertook a transformative initiative to rejuvenate health, safety, and wellbeing across the institution. They established a proactive Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Charter spanning every school, college, and department, with a particular emphasis on staff wellbeing. Collaborating with the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team, they developed a dedicated Wellbeing Charter, fostering a ‘Safe Place’ and ‘Safe People’ approach. By integrating wellbeing into the university’s ethos and operations, they promoted inclusivity, personal growth, and mental health support through initiatives like the Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health at Work commitment. This holistic framework, driven by seven wellbeing pillars, ensures sustainable improvements in staff satisfaction, physical health, and environmental stewardship. Through effective leadership and ongoing feedback mechanisms, Wellbeing at Derby has become integral to creating a psychologically safe and purpose-driven workplace environment.

Cardiff University achieved compliance with ISO 45003, demonstrating its commitment to integrating psychological health into its existing safety management system. This initiative, led by the Health, Safety and Staff Wellbeing team, received backing from the University Executive Board. The project aligns with growing recognition of mental health’s importance in the workplace, reinforced by influential reports such as the Thriving at Work review. Compliance with ISO 45003 not only enhances staff wellbeing but also underscores Cardiff University’s dedication to fostering a safe, supportive, and productive environment for all employees. Cardiff University is happy to share its strategy, reports, and wellbeing calendar. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Infrastructure and Facility Safety Award

Vincent Soh Beng Wee, Poon Yoke Yin, Rachel Wu Xiaoqin, and Christopher Seow from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) were recognised for their development of the Hazard Notification System (HNS), a centralised online platform for creating and managing laboratory signage. The system ensures consistent, up-to-date safety information across the university, addressing hazards such as chemicals, machinery, and biological agents.

Before HNS, creating lab signage was a manual process that led to inconsistencies. The HNS streamlines this by allowing staff to digitally generate standardised hazard signs, making it easier to update and maintain safety information. The system’s centralised design enables access across all departments, ensuring that signage meets safety standards and is easily updated when hazards change.

The HNS integrates with NTU’s broader safety infrastructure, including risk assessments and incident reporting, making it a comprehensive tool for improving laboratory safety. The system has been well-received for its ease of use and ability to improve safety awareness and compliance, reducing the likelihood of accidents and enhancing communication within the university.

Emergency Response and Crisis Management Award

Stefan Hoyle, Head of Health and Safety at Imperial College London, developed the Hazardous Area Emergency Contact App to improve emergency response capabilities. The app provides quick, secure access to vital contact information and hazard details through a QR code system placed in hazardous areas.

Users can scan the QR code to instantly view emergency contacts, hazard information, and safety protocols. The app allows real-time updates to ensure information remains current, improving response times and reducing reliance on outdated data.

The app has been praised for its simplicity and effectiveness in ensuring quick access to critical safety information, enhancing emergency procedures and overall safety in hazardous environments.

Recipients of USHA Certificate of Achievement

2024:

We extend our gratitude to all the nominees for their outstanding contributions. The runners-up are (in no specific order):

Health and Safety Team, Manchester Metropolitan University, led by Stuart Pennington, for their development of health and safety lead and lag indicators.

Office of Health and Safety, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, for their Safety CHAT Programme, promoting culture of safety by involving management and stakeholders in identifying risks, sharing knowledge, and implementing targeted improvements.

Edward Pariwono, Manager, Office of Health and Safety, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, for introducing an automated e-tool for tracking audit findings.

Labcup Implementation Team at Aston University, led by Colin Lambert, for centralising chemical management.

Paul Walker, University Compliance Engineer, Loughborough University, for improving the University’s permit to work system, replacing 9 separate permits and 4 request forms with a single overarching system.

Anthony Marchant, Schools Health and Safety Advisor, London Metropolitan University, for digitalising and automating essential H&S operations, including new travel approval process which was showcased to the members of Travel SIG in Spring this year.

Workplace Health and Safety Team, led by Monica Kanwar, University of York, for delivering a forward-looking holistic H&S Framework.

Fire Safety Team (James Holt) and CAD Team (Hannah Watts) from Loughborough University for developing fire strategy drawings to support fire safety equipment maintenance and future projects.

Sarah Van Zoelen, Occupational Health Manager at Loughborough University, for introducing a proactive programme to identify and manage potential causes of stress in senior leadership

Gavin Clarke, Deputy Head of H&S from London Metropolitan University for achieving full compliance with Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), comprehensive Fire Risk Assessments, and Fire Warden training programs.

Central Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team led by Adam Gomez at the University of Derby for their review of fire safety processes in the context of a hybrid work model.

Business Resilience Team led by Amy Smart from Durham University for their BCP exercise programme, including a case study on managing an invasive disease with Public Health and the UK Health Security Agency.