INVESTING in safety training has helped a factory record a million working hours without an accident.

Employees at 3M, in Aycliffe, near Darlington, reached the milestone after a safety programme was introduced at the Heighington Lane site. The project encouraged staff to look after themselves wherever they are - at work or at home.

The plant manufactures respiratory protection systems, filtration products for vacuum cleaner bags and vehicle ventilation systems, and chemicals for the printing and automotive industry.