A leading Oxfordshire company is among the safest in the country because of investment and training, writes Sarah Parker.

The Unipart Group of Companies based at Cowley has eliminated reportable accidents over the last three years, saving 300,000 since 1996.

The company is among thousands taking part in this week's National Week of Safety and Health, which aims to reduce the problems of back pain and musculoskeletal disorders which cost the UK economy 5bn a year.

It is estimated that more than one million people suffer from these conditions caused by their work and it is estimated that back pain costs 208 for each employee every year.

At any one time 430,000 people in the UK are receiving social security benefits, primarily for back pain.

Unipart, an independent logistics and automotive parts business, originally dealt with staff safety at its staff forum, but the company now has a separate safety committee.

Major improvements followed a visit by the British Safety Council when Unipart was given a four-star grading, indicating that safety standards were good but could be improved.

Within three months the company requested a second audit and achieved a five-star grading.

Technical director Steve Tonks said the company tried to be pro-active rather than reactive: "A high standard of health and safety is essential. Unipart International has worked hard which is reflected in the 99.63 per cent five-star score we achieved.

Another Oxfordshire firm, Dow AgroSciences, based at Letcombe Regis, has also cut its accident rate from 63 in 1996 to 22 in 1998. Senior management has never turned down any request for funds for safety.