BUSINESSES in Worcester-shire and Herefordshire are being invited to help make 2006 the year for safety in the workplace by taking part in a health and safety programme.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is set to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of its occupational health and safety awards this year and wants as many businesses as possible to sign up.

There were more than 1,300 winners in the scheme last year and organisers are now inviting entries for 2006.

Both private and public sector organisations have an equal chance of winning the awards, which aim to celebrate and share best practice of health and safety.

Errol Taylor, RoSPA's acting chief executive, said: "In the awards' 50th year we want to encourage all organisations to think in terms of 24/7 safety.

"Workplace good practice can be readily extended to protect employees and their families on the roads, at home, on the water and in leisure, cutting the financial and human cost of accidents."

For a brochure and entry details, call 0870 7772091 or 0121 2482090 or visit: www.rospa.com/awards. The closing date for entries is Tuesday, February 28.

Presentations will be made to winners at a ceremony at the Safety and Health Expo exhibition and RoSPA's Occupational Health and Safety Congress at Birming-ham's National Exhibition Centre on Wednesday, May 10, and Thursday, May 11.