SCA Packaging, a paper manufacturer from Aylesford, has been named the south east winner of the 2003 European Week for Safety and Health at Work awards, chosen from a field of nearly two thousand diverse organisations across the country.

The theme of the campaign in 2003 was dangerous substances and SCA ran a number of events, including a joint exercise with Kent fire brigade to rehearse a chemical incident scenario, and encouraged over 170 local children to take part in colouring or design competitions on the theme.

Stefano Rossi, development and manufacturing director at SCA Packaging, said: "Over the last three years SCA Packaging have won awards as part of the European Health and Safety at Work week. This consistent standard shows our commitment to Health and Safety issues in the workplace which we take very seriously."

Bill Callaghan, chair of the Health and Safety Commission, said: "I warmly congratulate all the UK's winners of this year's European Week for Safety and Health at Work awards.

"Every year, thousands of people are made ill through exposure to dangerous substances at work. Much of this is preventable. The awards demonstrate what can be achieved when commitment and creativity are brought to bear on the management of hazardous substances and occupational health in general."