Health and safety awareness week at Hastings Direct

Staff at Bexhill's largest employer were put through their paces last week by the insurance company's trainer Darren Ford and experts from RB Health and Safety Solutions Ltd.

And the prize winners, after a hectic week of competitions, won an Ipod, a mobile phone, a digital radio, a voucher for 50 and a DVD player.

Part of the week took the form of demonstrations about how to sneeze properly and Mr Ford said this proved to be one of the biggest talking points among staff.

He said: "Many people didn't realise how dangerous and damaging sneezing can be. They mentioned how many times they sneeze when they are driving and that is something all drivers need to be aware of.

"There were many entries for the daily quizzes and staff enjoyed online health and safety games and quizzes. The workshops run by RB Health and Safety Solutions Ltd created interest and provoked helpful discussions."

The prize winners were Ian Mitchell from claims who won the iPod, Melina McCabe from finance who won the voucher, Janice Hayes, who works in human resources, who won the phone, Sharon Porter won the DAB radio and Michelle Roberts, the DVD player.

Mike Hills from RB Health and Safety said: "I applaud Hastings Direct for its forward-thinking approach to European Health and Safety at work week.

"As one of Sussex's largest private sector employers it was important for the company to set an example and it did just that, giving staff fun along with useful information."