Marking International Women's Day, RoSPA has awarded the Inspiring Women in Safety Award to Erika Curnow, who started her career two years ago as an apprentice before becoming a leading safety authority at Hydro Aluminium UK Ltd’s Cheltenham sites.

A trailblazing Health, Safety & Environmental Manager has won a prestigious safety award to celebrate International Women’s Day. Erika Curnow of Hydro Aluminium UK Ltd was awarded the Inspiring Women in Safety Award by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), pipping many high-ranking challengers to the prize.

In just two years at Hydro’ Cheltenham site as an apprentice interim manager, Erika's dedication and achievements have not only set a high standard for her peers but have also paved the way for future female leaders in the industry.

Matt Cryer, Award Standards Manager at RoSPA, said:

"We are thrilled to recognise Erika Curnow as the winner of the Inspiring Women in Safety Award. Her rapid progression, dedication to mentoring, and innovative approach to safety make her a shining example of leadership within the health, safety, and environmental management community."

“One of the standout features of Erika's nomination, submitted by her Safety Director, was her tireless efforts in mentoring another female apprentice. This commitment to mentorship underscores Erika's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the field of health and safety.”

Erika's impact extends beyond the workplace, with her engagement efforts reaching local schools and communities. Her initiatives around mental health have demonstrated a commitment to holistic well-being, reflecting a broader understanding of safety beyond traditional boundaries. Notably, Erika also hosted Hydro's Women's Network Conference in Barcelona, bringing together 160 women from Hydro sites across Europe and beyond.

Commenting on her award win, Erika said:

“I am truly honoured to be awarded a prestigious RoSPA award and I am excited to continue to my health and safety journey with other inspiring industry leaders. I would also like to thank the team at Hydro for their unwavering support.”

RoSPA also commends the outstanding efforts of the two other shortlisted candidates: Sian Deane, Health and Safety Adviser for Jones Bros (Ruthin) Co Ltd, and Mel Speller, Health & Safety Administrator for KpH Deconstruction. Both individuals have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their roles and serve as exemplary figures in promoting safety within their respective workplaces.

The Inspiring Women in Safety Award is sponsored by L’Oreal to recognise the contribution of women to the health and safety sector and addresses the fact that they are underrepresented. The award celebrates not only individual accomplishments but also the broader impact that women in health and safety can have on organisations, communities, and society. As we celebrate International Women's Day, RoSPA remains committed to recognising and promoting excellence in safety leadership.

Malika Sifouane, Corporate Health and Safety Manager at L’Oreal, said:

“L’Oreal is delighted to sponsor this award for the third year recognising the value that women bring to the sector, diversity and inclusion is part of L’Oreal’s DNA and we congratulate Erika on her achievements.”

This year marks RoSPA’s 68^th Health and Safety Awards. Open to businesses, institutions, and individuals worldwide, this flagship program invites participants to showcase their unwavering commitment to health and safety. By joining this esteemed initiative, entrants gain the opportunity to bolster their reputation, benchmark safety performance, and foster continuous improvement year after year, thereby boosting morale and motivation within their organisations.

Apart from the non-competitive achievement awards, which include Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Merit distinctions, participants can vie for top honours within specific industry sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and entertainment. The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards serve as a beacon of recognition for excellence in safety practices, promoting a culture of diligence and responsibility across diverse sectors globally.