12 August 2008 University an awards finalist for its Health and Safety performance

Lincoln University features among 42 finalists in this year’s Champion Canterbury Awards, the country’s largest business awards event. Prime Minister Helen Clark will present the prizes from across 13 categories at a gala ceremony on 11 September in the Christchurch Convention centre, Kilmore Street.

The University is a finalist through its Health and Safety operation and is one of three finalists in the ACC Workplace Safety Category. The other two are Meadow Mushrooms Ltd and Connetics Ltd.

The category recognises businesses committed to workplace safety, systems and procedures.   

Lincoln University’s Health and Safety Manager, Adrian Brown, is delighted that the University’s efforts in the health and safety area have been recognised with a finalist’s place in the Champion Canterbury Awards.

“It is a fine way of acknowledging all the work and effort that has gone into systems and procedures at Lincoln University,” he says.

“Lincoln University regards its staff and students as its prime assets. From this recognition there emerges a commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy working and learning environment.”

He says that Lincoln University pursues a proactive approach to health and safety and that it’s all about commitment, accountability, performance and participation.

“Health and Safety is a process of continuous improvement and not simply something to pull off the shelf and plug into when things go wrong or there’s an emergency.”

Adrian describes the general philosophy underpinning Lincoln University’s processes and practices as “holistic” and concerned with “total wellbeing”.  Systems are also “synergistic” with other elements of campus life, for example the Recreation Centre’s fitness and wellness programmes.

“By building health and safety awareness into the ethos of campus life we believe we are providing an employment and study environment that allows everyone to maximise their human potential and achieve their goals.”

Ian Collins, Communications Group, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.