Communication Workers Union National Health, Safety and Environment Officer Dave Joyce has been recognised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) with the Society’s prestigious top award for individuals – the health and safety ‘Guardian Angel’ award.
The top health and safety accolade is awarded to individuals who have made a demonstrable difference in the world of safety and injury prevention through their initiative, diligence, enthusiasm, commitment and preparedness to go the extra mile.
Dave is the first Trade Unionist to receive the award. Similarly he was the first Trade Unionist winner of the IOSH (Institute of Safety & Health) top award in 2011.
Dave received the award in recognition of his tireless work to promote a safer working environment for all and his outstanding record of achievements in workplace safety, road safety, public safety as well as improving safety representation and involvement for Union Safety Reps. In particular UK’s top safety body recognised Dave’s immeasurable accomplishments whilst single-handedly spearheading the CWU ‘Bite-Back’ campaign, resulting in significant Dangerous Dogs Law changes to protect thousands of CWU members as well as children and the public at large.
RoSPA’s President Lord McKenzie of Luton said “RoSPA is delighted to recognise the dedication of Dave Joyce with the RoSPA top individual Award. Dave is committed to fostering a safe working culture, not only thinking about the safety of those who he represents but also looking to improve safety in society and inspire others.” Errol Taylor, RoSPA Deputy Chief Executive & Strategic Partnerships Director said: “Dave’s inspirational on many levels and his self-motivation is remarkable.”
Dave Ward CWU General Secretary said: “We are very proud of Dave’s achievement. Health and safety is extremely important to us and something we take very seriously so we are delighted that Dave is the first Trade Union winner of this prestigious award.”
Dave Joyce was delighted that RoSPA had decided to recognise a Trade Unionist. He said of the ‘Bite-Back’ campaign “It was a long, hard road but I was under no illusions from the outset that a tough task and long climb lay ahead of me. There are many memories of the campaign. Meeting many of our injured and maimed members around the country motivated me to fight the cause but meeting many of the parents of children killed and mutilated in Dog Attacks was heartbreaking and an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
The current Dog Control Laws in the UK owes much of Dave’s commitment, enthusiasm and leadership. Dave’s inspirational on many levels and his self-motivation is remarkable, campaigning for new Dog Control Laws for seven years, working tirelessly and never giving up until he succeeded. Not many people will achieve something of that magnitude. We will never know how many incidents that Dave will have prevented, and lives they have saved as a result of his work. Dave recently worked with IOSH on the ‘No Time To Lose’ Occupational Work-Cancer Campaign, regarding Sun Safety for CWU Members and worked with MIND the Mental Health Charity and Royal Mail on ‘Work-Stress’ and ‘Mental Health’ through “Time To Change”, introducing new assessment and support policies and has also been championing the TUC’s ‘Dying To Work’ charter, getting Royal Mail and BT to support the protocol and sign-up.
RoSPA established the Award as a way of recognising exceptional individuals, whose commitment to safety, health and accident prevention is displayed through personal initiative, diligence and enthusiasm. RoSPA, a charity with a history stretching back a hundred years decided to introduce a special awards scheme for outstanding individuals in their field.