Imperial champions excellence in health and safety with new awards

Professor James Stirling and Director of Safety Surrinder Johal with winners Dave Bowler, Cristina Andrighetti-Formaggini and Ken Keating.

Awards for outstanding commitment to health and safety at Imperial were presented to staff at a ceremony on Thursday 26 February.

The Provost’s Awards for Excellence in Health and Safety, which were awarded for the first time this week, recognise members of the College whose efforts have resulted in significant improvements to health and safety over the past year.

They were presented by Provost Professor James Stirling. The Provost said: “As a College we are committed to maintaining the highest possible standards of health and safety. Key to this is fostering a culture where the principles of good practice are embedded at all levels across the institution.

“That is why today is so important. I am delighted to recognise colleagues from across the College who have gone above and beyond in their work, and whose activities are helping to create this culture of excellence in health and safety that we aspire to.”

Cristina Andrighetti Formaggini, from the catering team in Campus Services, was presented with an individual award in recognition of her leadership in implementing measures to comply with the EU’s new allergen requirements across the College’s Catering Operations.

Speaking of her success, Cristina said: “A few years ago I was diagnosed as coeliac, which means that I cannot eat any produce containing gluten found in wheat, barley and rye. For an Italian like me, so passionate about food and so used to eating the best pasta, focaccia and Italian pastries as part of my daily diet, this came as a big blow!"

Cristina Andrighetti-Formaggini, Campus Services

“After the initial shock, I decided not to let this condition spoil my enjoyment of great food and I've been determined to raise awareness and help to better cater for the growing number of customers suffering from food intolerance and allergies at Imperial.”

“I am thrilled to receive this award and I am very grateful to all who supported my nomination and to those colleagues who worked closely with me to deliver the project."

An individual award also went to Ken Keating, Laboratory Manager from the Department of Bioengineering, for his innovative use of electronic systems for managing health and safety and for the support he provided to other College departments in replicating and implementing similar systems.

Ken said: “I am extremely grateful to receive this award from the Provost, especially within such a key area as health and safety.

Ken Keating, Department of Bioengineering

“It is a great compliment that everyone across the College has been so positive about my work on the electronic laboratory and safety system, and incredible to see the number of departments taking it on so far. I would like to thank everyone for their support and help in rolling out these new safety initiatives.”

As well as the individual awards, a group award was presented to Jon Dyne, Dave Bowler and Lee Tooley for their work in the Heavy & Mechanical Lifting Group. The group were commended for their delivery of bespoke training and support in this area, helping to promote best practice across College.