The award was handed over on the International Congress for Safety, Security and Health at Work in Düsseldorf on October 18.

A jury of renowned experts from industry, politics, associations, science and society judged on product and process solutions of more than 200 applicants. The contributions were evaluated by the jury using criteria like efficiency and cost-effectiveness, innovation, implementation and transferability in the working life.

Managing Director Arnd Brinkmann and Laurenz Guther, head of the Service Center in Gerstungen, received the Award for the category "Process Solutions." That means an intensive, continuous and consistent commitment in order to create a sustainable specific consciousness for health and safety at work in the minds of the employees.

’Safety first’ is the overall obvious maxim in the Thuringian Service Center of Building Systems. Clearly defined responsibilities, considerate and friendly feedback towards colleagues and defined processes for the case of emergency enable to live this maxim. Laurenz Guther is happy about the "honor of this team performance where all employees in Gerstungen have made their contribution to this result."

The German Occupational Safety and Health Award 2011 was honored by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the Committee of Federal State for Occupational Safety and Health and the German Social Accident Insurance.

The initiators of the competition said, "Health and safety protection at the workplace as well as prevention can only be managed when all pull together in the same direction. Many of the companies which applied for this award made this experience. One cannot give the order to commit for occupational safety. Managers have to create a culture of motivation and self-responsibility. Consequently occupational safety achieves a common purpose of all employees."

It is not the first award in this category for Wicona and the location Gerstungen. The team of Laurenz Guther was recently awarded the Thuringia “Johannes Bube 2011” protection in the workplace prize for its exemplary protection in the workplace management system and for implementing health-protection measures by creating ergonomic working conditions.

”We are proud on this additional award," Brinkmann explains. “This does not only reflect the high performance achieved by the team in Gerstungen, but also the implementation and realization of the strategy of our parent group Hydro, where occupational safety and health has the highest priority."