A FIRM that employs nearly 200 people at its Forest-based foundry has won a national award for its commitment to workplace health.

JD Norman Lydney was presented with the Workplace Wellbeing Charter by town mayor Cllr Bob Berryman.

To win accreditation in a robust assessment, the firm had to satisfy auditors in the three elements of occupational health – leadership, communication and culture.

Occupational health adviser Shirley Butler said: The three elements included absence management, health and safety, mental health, smoking and tobacco, physical activity, healthy eating and alcohol and substance misuse.

“The performance was measured against national standards, endorsed by Public Health England.”

Plant manager Susana Fernandez added: “This Workplace Wellbeing Charter is very important to us. It’s a sign of our continued commitment to the environment we provide to our staff and we are grateful to our team members through their continued commitment to helping us get this charter.

“We employ 189 people here at JD Norman, and absolutely put the staff first. We want them to be happy and healthy at work, and we will always strive to improve. The recognition is very much appreciated.”

She added that the charter gave them the ability to develop strategies and plans to further improve occupational health.

As part of the assessment, auditors reviewed evidence presented to them by the firm, interviewed key team members and toured the site.

Their report says: “Gaining the Workplace Well-being Charter demonstrates how well you treat and support your staff.

“The evidence you provided and the interviews that were held all provided assurance that JD Norman Industries is committed to employee wellbeing to ensure that the organisation continues to be safe and successful in a competitive market.”

Lydney mayor Cllr Berryman, whose wife Sheila worked at the foundry in the 1960s, said: “This award shows their commitment to Lydney. I’m amazed at the way they look after their employees and JD Norman fully deserve this reward.”