Swindon bosses have seen the light when it comes to health and safety in the workplace, according to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

In recognition of their efforts over the last 12 months, two local firms have been acknowledged for their workplace safety records by winning awards at this year's RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards.

Innogy Plc, the electricity utilities company, based out at the Windmill Hill Business Park, won the highest accolade in its sector the Electricity Industry Sector award while Lucent Technologies, also of Windmill Hill, scooped a Gold award.

John Bywater, a safety advisor for Innogy said: "We are very pleased. It was the first time we had applied for the sector award.

"Obviously we'd put together a portfolio of evidence this year which we thought presented a strong case of just how seriously we take health and safety within the company.

"But nevertheless, to win on our first attempt is quite something. Obviously we're getting backing from the chief executive down, and that really is the key to any successful health and safety management system, because that attitude filters down to the staff on the shop floor."

David Wilson, UK Environment Health and Safety Specialist for Lucent Technologies, a communications infrastructure and services provider which employs 800 people locally, said: "Lucent takes the safety of its employees very seriously.

"Our view is that no job is so important and no service so urgent that we cannot take time to perform our work safely. We're delighted to have won this award which recognises our employees commitment to working safely."

John Howard, RoSPA Director of Safety Policy added: "The awards are not just about short-term reductions in the number of injuries and cases of ill health at work.

"They are about ensuring that organisations have robust health and safety management systems in place for the longer term.

"The awards reinforce the message that good health and safety reflects good business management and clearly demonstrates to staff and other stakeholders an organisation's success in this crucial but often invisible area."