MANAMA: Alba's health and safety record has once again received global accolades.

The company has won the prestigious Gold RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Award this year for the third time in a row.

The RoSPA awards are given to organisations that have good health and safety management systems in place, and thus, they are not merely about reducing the number of accidents and cases of ill-health at work.

In the current economic climate, awards are more important than ever because they demonstrate that employers care about their employees and will not let slip their standards of health and safety practice even if times are tough, an Alba spokesman said.

"Participating and winning the gold award for three years in a row is really rewarding our efforts in health and safety and that was because of our continuous efforts and plans to improve the work environment for our employees," said safety and security manager Abdulla Yaqoob.

"Alba has shown a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its employees and others," said RoSPA award manager David Rawlins.

"Entering the RoSPA awards reinforces the message that good health and safety is good for business, and clearly demonstrates an organisation's dedication to improving performance in this crucial area."

The RoSPA Occupational health and Safety Awards 2009 are sponsored by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health.

The majority of awards are non-competitive and mark achievement which are graded at merit, bronze, silver and gold levels.

Alba has consistently maintained a high track record for safety, continues to enforce strict environmental guidelines and has surpassed production targets set for the year.