Edward Slater presented a certificate at Lowestoft Town Hall in recognition of 60 years membership of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Picture: James Bass

A wartime evacuee who has dedicated more than six decades of his life to health and safety has been given a special honour.

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Edward Slater, who is known as Ted, has been praised for his dedication to saving lives in the workplace, after being a member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) for 60 years.

On Thursday, a small ceremony was held by the institution and Waveney District Council at Lowestoft Town Hall to commend the work of the 84-year-old from Beccles.

Mr Slater, who was evacuated to Suffolk aged 11, said: “It’s good, as far as I’m concerned, that IOSH and Waveney District Council have recognised me. I feel that the work I’ve done is valued and that’s an honour.

“Since starting my career back in 1948, I have seen a number of changes in the industry. Workplace accidents and fatalities were high when I first started out, but now the UK has one of the best records in the world – it’s nice to think I may have made a small contribution to that.”

Mr Slater has worked for the Air Ministry, Heinz, RAF Orfordness, Suffolk Radio Research Station and health and safety in the construction of nuclear power stations.

Andrew Bagworth, chairman of IOSH’s East Anglia branch, said: “This is a tremendous achievement. Ted’s dedication and passion for health and safety has no doubt helped save lives and prevented people from being injured.” After retiring in 1993, Mr Slater lectured at Lowestoft Technical College and became a voluntary, independent member of the Waveney District Council standards committee.

Peter Collecott, chairman of Waveney District Council, said: “As far as I am concerned, Ted is a genuine local hero, dedicating his life to protecting others and I am absolutely delighted that he is being recognised.”

richard.wood@archant.co.uk