Safety funding targets small firms

Small businesses looking to improve the way they involve workers in health and safety are being urged to compete for a share of £1m in government funding.

The Worker Safety Adviser (WSA) Challenge Fund, organised by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), seeks to inspire small businesses to work on projects that encourage employees and their employers to work together on managing health and safety.

Now in its third round of funding, the scheme offers a maximum single grant of £100,000.

Successful applicants must demonstrate a commitment to improving worker involvement in health and safety through the strength of a partnership they have established.

Partnerships can include trade unions, trade associations, local authorities, voluntary organisations, chambers of commerce and professional bodies.

Bill Callaghan, HSC chair, said: "This is a great opportunity to get resources to help those who need them most - the employers and employees of small firms.

"We are again looking for innovative bids that show commitment to working together with partners and using WSAs as a lever for improvement."

HSC received 67 bids for the second round of funding and awarded grants to 11 projects. Award winners for the third round will be announced in February 2006, with funding commencing on 1 April 2006.

For more information visit www.wsa-cf.org