SHAW awards presented to Highlands and Islands businesses

Eight Highlands and Islands businesses received Scotland's Health at Work (SHAW) awards at an event hosted by Lochaber Enterprise at the Alexandra Hotel, Fort William (Tuesday 24th January).

A number of Lochaber businesses attended the event as well as businesses from Skye and Lochalsh, Inverness and Aviemore. The SHAW awards presented to Lochaber Enterprise, Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association, NHS Highland (New Craigs), Hydrasun Limited (Aviemore), Lifescan Scotland, H M Inspectorate of Education, Northern Constabulary HQ and Careers Scotland. Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise and Lochalsh Leisure Centre were unable to attend, but were congratulated on achievement of their awards.

The event highlighted the benefits of the SHAW initiative to businesses of all sizes. Charlie Gunter, regional advisor for Safe and Healthy Working, outlined safety at work and the practical help available for small businesses, as well as the free health assessment scheme. 

Lochaber Enterprise is working towards the third level within the initiative which is Gold. In line with the criteria for Gold, Robert Linton, development manager with Lochaber Enterprise organised the event to heighten awareness within the Lochaber business community of the benefits of SHAW.

The event featured good practice case studies, coaching introduction on dealing with time management, the importance of physical activity, stress management and work life balance, as well as an update on Healthy Working Lives from strategic director Steve Bell.

Robert Linton said: "The event was very successful. A lot of information was exchanged during the lunch-time event on health promotion and ideas for events between businesses. All those who attended considered it to be a useful event to make employers more aware of the benefits of health promotion in increasing productivity from a happy, healthy workforce and reducing sickness absence."

If you would like more information of SHAW contact nancycampbell@care4free.net