Cutting deaths in construction - free Fife event aims to reduce risks

Date:

30 October 2009

Release No:

SCO/197/09

A practical event for builders, construction workers and contractors in Fife next week aims to reduce the death toll in Scotland's construction industry.

Eleven workers in the construction sector were killed and more than 1,500 were seriously injured in Scotland last year.

The Working Well Together campaign has organised a free safety and health awareness event at the Crossgates Training Centre on Tuesday (3 November), specifically to address the issue of working safely when involved in groundworks.

This event will be particularly useful for those who are self-employed or who run a small construction company and will offer practical advice and solutions on how to control or minimise risks associated with groundworks. Figures show 75 per cent of all people killed or injured on building sites worked for small firms employing fewer than 15 people.

The day will include a series of presentations and demonstrations covering key areas including: plant and equipment, including quick hitch and lifting; falls from vehicles, loading and offloading lorries; cable detection; safe digging techniques and trenches including shoring and working in confined spaces.

The event aims to offer clear, practical advice and guidance on how to address serious issues that can impact on business - and lives. The campaign aims to significantly reduce accidents, by not only raising awareness of key health and safety issues facing the construction industry, but by giving practical advice and solutions.

HSE Principal Inspector Iain Brodie, who will be attending, said:

"The toll of injury in the construction industry in Scotland is a real matter for concern and we're keen to work with those in the industry to tackle this issue.

"Events like these are designed to provide workers and company owners with the skills and knowledge they need to protect themselves."

Grahame Barn, Director of the Federation of Master Builders in Scotland, added:

"These events illustrate that the industry is helping the industry to improve health and safety awareness amongst operators and supervisors of small and medium-sized construction companies. These days are designed to encourage operators to ask questions and witness best practice being demonstrated in a number of common construction site scenarios."

Notes to editors

1. The event is being run from 0830 until 1215 (when a buffet lunch will be served) on Tuesday 3 November at the Crossgates Training Centre, Mines Rescue Service, Main Street, Crossgates, Fife, KY4 8DH. Some demonstrations are outside so participants are advised to wear warm/waterproof clothing and outdoor footwear. Site clothes are acceptable.
2. You are invited to send a reporter / photographer to cover this event.  Interview opportunities will be available.  Please call Katy Jeffrey of COI news and PR Scotland to confirm attendance on the number below.
3. Working Well Together is an industry-wide construction health and safety campaign developed by the HSE's Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC).  It is run by industry for industry. http://www.wwt.uk.com/

Press enquiries

Katy Jeffrey, Tel: 0131 244 9062
Out of Hours:  0151 922 1221

Public Enquiries

HSE InfoLine,
Caerphilly Business Park,
Caerphilly
CF83 3GG
Tel: 0845 345 0055
http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/index

Issued by COI News and PR Scotland