MPA opens entries for 2026 safety awards

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has opened submissions for its 2026 Health & Safety Awards, with a new category introduced to recognise outstanding contractors working in the mineral products sector.

Now open for entries, the awards highlight excellence and innovation in health and safety across the UK’s mineral products industry, including aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, mortar and related services.

The newly launched Outstanding Contractor Award reflects the increasingly critical role contractors play in delivering safe outcomes on sites and projects across the sector. It aims to spotlight examples of best practice that protect not only contractors’ own workforces but also those of their clients.

Chris Leese, executive chair of the MPA’s executive management committee, said:

“The sharing of knowledge about good practices and innovations will help us all to make our industry a safer and healthier place for everyone.

“It is also important to recognise the outstanding performance that individuals and organisations have made on our journey towards ‘Vision Zero’.”

This year’s awards feature streamlined entry processes and several changes to encourage broader participation. Notably, the Eurobitume Trophy now accepts entries from both MPA and Eurobitume members, aiming to expand engagement from those working with bitumen and asphalt products. Meanwhile, the number of topic awards has been reduced from eight to seven, with an expanded focus on transport and logistics.

All entries must relate to UK-based activities. The awards ceremony will take place at a live event in London on 7 July 2026.

Award categories include:

• 7 Topic Awards for innovations across the mineral products supply chain
• The Fatal 6 Award for efforts to eliminate high-consequence hazards
• The Eurobitume Trophy for bitumen and asphalt safety practice
• The new Outstanding Contractor Award
• Company performance awards for large and smaller employers
• Young Leader and Individual Awards recognising personal contributions

Entry forms and guidance are available via the Safequarry website.