The countdown has begun for entries for the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards, which honoured around 100 transport, storage and distribution companies among its record 1,400 winners last year.

Organisations of all sizes and types should start preparing their submissions now to be sure to meet the February deadline for the 2008 celebration of best practice in health and safety.

Last year Serco Docklands was named winner of the transport, storage and distribution sector trophy.

Tesco.com - Home Shopping Delivery won the RoSPA MORR Trophy for managing occupational road risk.

Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA chief executive, said: “Our winners represent the high performers in health and safety throughout the UK and the world.

"They lead the way in saving lives and reducing injuries and ill health in the workplace. How well an organisation manages health and safety speaks volumes about its values and professionalism.”

The majority of the awards are non-competitive and mark achievement which is graded at merit, bronze, silver and gold levels.

Those demonstrating continued improvement can win gold medals, Presidents Awards and Orders of Distinction.

The presentations will take place from May 13 to May 15 at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel where there will be three prestigious gala dinners.

They run alongside three days of RoSPA conferences and Safety & Health Expo 2008 at the NEC.