Back In Action UK is incredibly proud to announce that our Injury Prevention Programme, delivered in partnership with Veolia, has won the prestigious British Safety Council Innovation in Health Award in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The award recognises pioneering initiatives that have delivered a significant and measurable impact on preventing work-related health issues and shines a spotlight on a programme that is transforming how musculoskeletal health is managed in the workplace.

This achievement is a testament to the strength of collaboration between Veolia and Back In Action UK, and to a shared ambition to move beyond traditional approaches to workplace health by focusing on prevention rather than simply reacting when injuries occur. We have also been featured in the International Health and Safety Journal which you can read here.

Tackling Musculoskeletal Injuries Differently

As one of the UK’s leading waste management companies, Veolia’s frontline teams undertake physically demanding work every day. Historically, this has led to a significant risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. Whilst traditional manual handling training had delivered benefits, Veolia recognised the need for a more practical, innovative solution that could address the root causes of injury and support employees before problems developed.

Following successful pilot programmes across Westminster, Southwark and South Bucks during 2021 and 2022, Back in Action UK delivered a comprehensive Injury Prevention Programme across Veolia sites.  The programme combines eight core elements designed to reduce injury risk, improve physical resilience and empower employees to work more safely and comfortably in their roles. These include job-specific training delivered during collections, musculoskeletal screening, personalised technique adaptations, injury prevention education and structured warm-up programmes.

Delivering Meaningful Results

The impact of the programme has been significant:

• More than 1,270 frontline colleagues supported across 21 contracts
• 118 days of injury prevention training delivered
• A 30% reduction in manual handling injuries at participating sites
• Faster return-to-work outcomes through earlier intervention and support
• Greater engagement and trust from frontline colleagues regarding their health and wellbeing

These outcomes demonstrate the power of combining clinical expertise, practical workplace insight and a genuine commitment to prevention.

A Proud Moment for Both Organisations

This award is particularly meaningful as it recognises the success of a programme built on true partnership. At Back In Action UK, we have always believed that occupational health should be integrated into the workplace, empowering individuals before injuries occur rather than waiting until they need treatment.

Looking Ahead

Winning the British Safety Council Innovation in Health Award is a significant milestone, but more importantly it reinforces what can be achieved when organisations place prevention at the heart of their health and wellbeing strategy.

We would like to thank Veolia for their commitment, collaboration and willingness to challenge traditional approaches. We are equally proud of the many frontline colleagues, managers and physiotherapists whose engagement has made the programme such a success.

Together, we have shown that occupational health can do more than manage injury- it can help prevent it altogether. And that is something worth celebrating.