Gentoo Construction has won the Special Awards category for the Best Worker Engagement Programme at The National House-Building Council (NHBC) awards ceremony in Manchester.

TV personality Ben Fogle presented the award with judges commenting that they were impressed with how Gentoo had recruited volunteers to be health and safety mentors - and how they had developed a charter identifying positive behaviours, all reinforced by a programme of Engagement Audits.

Stephen Terrance, Head of Health and Safety at Gentoo said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the Group which was won in open competition with some of the construction industry's big players and gives us recognition on a national stage.

“Congratulations to all staff involved particularly the volunteer Health and Safety Mentors who are making a real difference to Health and Safety performance in the workplace."

The National House-Building Council (NHBC) awards, supported by the Health and Safety Executive and Construction Skills, have received widespread support from MP’s of all political parties. History has shown that emergence from a recession is often coupled with a rise in the number of accidents on-site. These awards offered builders the opportunity to gain independent verification on the effectiveness of their health and safety practices.

NHBC’s Head of Health and Safety, Simon Mantle, commented: “As the house-building industry emerges from a difficult economic period, it’s the perfect time to recognise site managers who have maintained exceptional health and safety standards on-site.

“We have been extremely impressed by the standard of health and safety that we have encountered throughout the judging process. These awards will play important role in encouraging best practice and driving forward health and safety standards.”