LEADING UK automation and controls business IAC has been awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace

Global operating Industrial Automation & Control Ltd, of Queensway Meadows, Newport, is the UK’s leading independent systems integrator of PLC systems, variable speed drives and Scada.

Alcumus SafeContractor is a third party accreditation scheme which recognises extremely rigorous standards in health and safety management amongst contractors. It is used by thousands of organisations in the UK including SMEs and FTSE 100 companies.

IAC Ltd, which employs 75 people and has an annual turnover of £8.5m, undertakes complex integration projects both in the UK and overseas, for a huge range of industries including paper, metals pharmaceuticals, materials handling, food, chemicals, printing, textiles, water and nuclear power.

IAC Ltd’s clients include major players such as Tata Steel, Welsh Water, Eastman, Evoqua Water Technologies, Dupont and Siemens Metals Technologies.

The company’s application for SafeContractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business.

SafeContractor accreditation will enhance the company’s ability to win new contracts, and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.

Gemma Archibald, director of Alcumus SafeContractor, said: "Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place.

"More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that IAC Ltd. has done. The firm’s high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector.

“SafeContractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients in meeting their compliance needs, whilst working with their contractors as they progress through the accreditation process.”

IAC Ltd marketing and HR director Kath Lewis said: “Health and safety in the workplace is of utmost importance to everyone at and associated with IAC Ltd. We are very pleased to have been recognised with this accreditation award.

“Safecontractor is a universally acknowledged and recognised endorsement which we’re confident will further enhance IAC Ltds’ stature and ability to successfully attract new contracts and new work for our business.”