Northgate, which owns Northgate Vehicle Hire in the UK, merged its Spanish businesses, Record and Fualsa, into a new company, Northgate Spain, earlier this year.

Underlining Northgate's approach of "one business, one culture", Northgate Spain has built on a three-year programme of investment in health and safety arrangements with the adoption of a new campaign, which is also being rolled out in the UK.

Northgate safety and environment manager Colin Gilstin leads a Spain-based team of three health and safety professionals who are responsible for overseeing the company's policy and procedures across all of its operations – workshops, rental and sales depots, head office and support services.

Mr Gilstin explained: 'We have spent the past three years implementing our proven UK health and safety policies and procedures into the Spanish business. The actions we have taken mean that the standards that we have in the UK in terms of ensuring all employees "work safe, stay safe" are now replicated in Spain with the total support of senior management. As a result, we are now seeing significant improvement in the safety record and safety culture within the business.'

As part of a continued focus on developing and auditing the company's health and safety management system, the Safe and Sound campaign is being rolled out across Northgate Spain.

Fronted by Ms Safe and Mr Sound the campaign promotes 10 key principles to staying safe and sound at work.

Mr Gilstin said: 'The focus of the campaign is to help influence safety behaviour and attitudes, both of which are paramount in meeting Northgate Spain's objective of providing a safe place of work.'

The safety principles are supported by other processes and controls which include risk assessments, safety inspections, effective accident and incident investigation, safety standards, competence training and the continuous development of employees.

For more information visit, www.northgateplc.com/northgate/