A PERSHORE company has been awarded the highest rating possible by the British Safety Council for the effectiveness of its safety programme.

Schloetter Company Ltd, which manufactures electroplating processes and lacquers, won the Five-Star Safety Award after an intensive audit of its health and safety management system.

The idea of the scheme is to help organisations reduce accidents and improve productivity by identifying their strengths and weaknesses.

"Good safety is good business and can save firms hundreds of thousands of pounds," said the British Safety Council's director general, David Ballard, adding that Schloetter had shown "real commitment" to improving health and safety.

"Integrating this into the overall management agenda is undoubtedly the key to improving health and safety standards in the workplace and preventing accidents. I hope it will continue to build on its achievements and that others will follow its good example," added Mr Ballard.

Following the safety evaluation, companies are also given action plans that aim to help them reduce their insurance premiums, increase repeat business from customers and improve staff morale.