As we begin the New Year, thoughts are undoubtedly on the challenging conditions of the economy and I would like to take this opportunity to wish good fortune in 2009 to all our readers.

During such times, it's important that the health and safety of colleagues and customers remain an integral part of business and society. This in itself can help to minimise unnecessary costs being incurred by businesses - supposedly saving small businesses up to £300m a year. You will find a link to this report below.

The sum of such costs is far more than financial. Find out below how Northumbrian Water Limited, who serves a population of 2.8 million people in the North East of England and 1.7 million in the South East, has used OHSAS 18001 certification to help the organisation to keep Occupational Health & Safety high on their agenda.