Local business Melhuish & Saunders has been awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for achieving excellence in health and safety in the workplace.

Alcumus SafeContractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises extremely rigorous standards in health and safety management amongst contractors. It is used by thousands of organisations in the UK including SMEs and FTSE 100 companies.

Employing over 20 people, Melhuish & Saunders is a Principal Building Contractor, specialising in the Healthcare and Education industries.

The company's application for SafeContractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business. SafeContractor accreditation will enhance the company's ability to win new contracts, and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.

Gemma Archibald, Director of Alcumus SafeContractor said: "Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies in place."

"More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that Melhuish & Saunders has done. The firm's high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the construction sector. SafeContractor plays a vital role in supporting our clients in meeting their compliance needs, whilst working with their contractors as they progress through the accreditation process."

Darryl Mitchard, Managing Director said: "It's great to be recognised as a SafeContractor, having achieved our accreditation again. It gives our valued Clients the peace of mind we are a safe company to use, we are committed to continuously improve our health and safety standards and that we work compliantly in line with all current regulations."