Putting safety first has paid off for Elsa and Dave Mason as they celebrate business awards recognition.

The couple run DMA Safety Management, a health and safety management consultancy in Seascale, working with a range of companies to improve compliance, safety performance and overall business efficiency.

Set up in 2006, it has been shortlisted in the microbusiness category of this year's British Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) Business Awards.

Elsa said: “I’ve been involved with the business cluster for several years and it has been an important way of making contacts and exploring opportunities.

"We’ve just finished a major project with James Fisher Nuclear, for instance, and are looking at how we can support a group of SMEs in meeting the tough requirements of the nuclear sector as well as changing legislation.”

Her experience includes health and safety in the defence, construction, nuclear and manufacturing sectors as well as leisure and tourism

“Whether it’s construction or inshore fisheries, nuclear decommissioning or a new hotel, health and safety is a constant challenge and one that needs to be regularly reviewed and refreshed,” she said.

“It makes business sense to look after everyone involved in a business and to keep them healthy and safe but it’s commercially critical for many businesses too."

Elsa works alongside her husband, Dave, who joined the consultancy after key roles working in larger international organisations.

A chartered member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), he was global head of safety for RS Components for four years, working in America and the Ukraine.

He has also worked with Travis Perkins in the UK so he has seen health and safety performance from all sides and also knows that businesses are looking for pragmatic approaches that will bring tangible improvements, not just paperwork.

“At its roots, health and safety is there to stop people being hurt and to save lives but getting it right will also contribute to a better business with increased efficiency and process compliance," he said.