Cornwall Airport Newquay Wins Prestigious Health and Safety Award

Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY/EGHQ) has been named the Best Small Airport in the Health and Safety Week Awards, seeing off competition from Farnborough Airport (FAB/EGLF) to take the top prize. The awards, which are supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), recognise exceptional initiatives in health and safety management at airports across the UK.

The award acknowledges airports that prioritise the safety of passengers, staff, and all those involved in airport operations. This year’s entries were particularly competitive, reflecting the ever-growing emphasis on maintaining stringent health and safety standards across the aviation industry.

Recognising Excellence in Health and Safety

The awards are designed to celebrate and promote the continuous improvement of health and safety protocols within UK airports. Airports are critical components of the national infrastructure, and maintaining safe environments for both passengers and staff is paramount.

Neil Gray, from the CAA and co-chair of the judging panel, highlighted the high calibre of the entries in this year’s awards. He commented, “These were extremely difficult decisions this year, with amazing entries from airports all over the UK. Airports are key parts of the country’s infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of passengers and employees is the highest priority.” His remarks underline the importance of safety in an industry that relies on high standards to ensure smooth and secure operations.

Cornwall Airport Newquay’s Approach to Safety

Cornwall Airport Newquay’s success in the competition stemmed from a comprehensive submission focusing on three crucial areas of health and safety management:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): With the continued challenges brought by the pandemic, PPE has remained a central focus in health and safety measures. Cornwall Airport Newquay highlighted its strong protocols for ensuring that staff are adequately protected when performing their duties, helping to minimise risks associated with both COVID-19 and everyday operational hazards.

2. Working at Height: Airports require regular maintenance and checks, much of which involves work at height. The airport detailed the steps it has taken to improve safety procedures in this high-risk area, ensuring that employees are trained and equipped with the correct tools and knowledge to carry out tasks safely.

3. Airside Environment Safety: The airside environment, where aircraft are handled, is one of the most dangerous areas of any airport. Cornwall Airport Newquay has implemented stringent measures to ensure the safety of both staff and passengers in this area, from enhanced vehicle safety protocols to better communication systems between staff working on the tarmac.

Andrew Boomer, Operations Director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award. Health and safety are paramount in everything we do, and this accolade is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. At Cornwall Airport Newquay, we strive to create a safe and secure environment for all our passengers, staff, and partners, and it’s fantastic to see those efforts recognised on a national level.”

Farnborough Airport Commended for its Efforts

While Cornwall Airport Newquay claimed the top spot, Farnborough Airport was highly commended for its initiatives in health and safety. Farnborough has been a leader in private aviation and continues to set a high standard for safety procedures within that segment of the industry.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The recognition of Cornwall Airport Newquay and Farnborough Airport underscores the aviation industry’s ongoing commitment to safety. As airports continue to evolve in response to new challenges, including those brought about by the pandemic, the focus on improving safety standards is more important than ever.

The Best Small Airport category at the Health and Safety Week Awards highlights that smaller airports, despite having fewer resources than their larger counterparts, are just as capable of setting the benchmark for safety practices. Cornwall Airport Newquay’s success demonstrates that smaller airports can lead the way in implementing innovative and effective safety solutions that benefit passengers and employees alike.

The award also emphasises the importance of collaboration across airport teams, as health and safety protocols require input from all departments, from operations to customer service. By fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement, airports like Cornwall Airport Newquay can ensure they remain safe, secure, and efficient for years to come.

Conclusion

Cornwall Airport Newquay’s win at the Health and Safety Week Awards is a testament to its dedication to maintaining high standards of safety for both staff and passengers. In a highly competitive field, the airport’s focus on PPE, working at height, and airside safety set it apart from other contenders, including the highly commended Farnborough Airport.

As the aviation industry continues to navigate post-pandemic challenges and other operational demands, it is encouraging to see that health and safety remain top priorities for airports across the UK. The recognition of Cornwall Airport Newquay’s efforts serves as an example for other airports looking to enhance their own safety measures, ensuring that the entire aviation sector continues to operate safely and efficiently.