Thompsons Solicitors has today (28 April) launched a photography competition to draw attention to the importance of health and safety at work. 

The competition, titled ‘Focus: on safety at work’, is urging people across the UK to take a photograph that explores themes such as: the importance of safety at work; why health and safety legislation should be considered essential, not a chore; what health and safety means to them an individuals, and why they think health and safety is worth protecting. 

The launch corresponds with International Workers’ Memorial Day, which remembers those who have died or been seriously injured as a result of accidents at work or occupational diseases. 

Running until 28 June, entries to the competition will be reviewed by a panel of judges, with the winners’ work being displayed in an exhibition at the People’s History Museum in Manchester. Entrants will also be eligible for a share of £5,000 in prizes. 

Tom Jones, head of policy at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “For some employers, health and safety is seen as needless ‘red tape’, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s essential and, without it, more workers across the UK would be returning home at night injured or not at all. 

“There are still far too many people being affected by workplace injury and industrial diseases. With the support of the trade union movement, we want to ensure the safety of every employee is kept at the top of the political agenda.

For some employers, health and safety is seen as needless ‘red tape’, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s essential and, without it, more workers across the UK would be returning home at night injured or not at all.

Tom Jones head of policy at Thompsons

“The photography competition is a great way to get people thinking about what health and safety really means and to recognise its importance.  We hope lots of people will take part and be in with a chance of a share of the prize money and of having their shot displayed at the People’s History Museum.”

To take part in the campaign, visit www.thompsons.law/focus. Keep up to date with competition news by following @ThompsonsLaw and @ThompsonsInjury on Twitter and by using #focussafety.