HSE and Council delighted at response to Aberdeen scaffolding event

Date:

23 June 2008

Release No:

HSE/SCO/097/08

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has welcomed the response to a safety seminar held in Aberdeen in conjunction with  Aberdeen City Council. Over 200 delegates from the north east attended the event designed to promote safe use of scaffolding.

HSE Inspector Niall Miller who organised Thursday’s event said:

"I am delighted at the response to our scaffolding safety event.  Over 200 people from businesses across the city attended and enjoyed some excellent presentations as well as a practical demonstration of safe use of scaffolding.

"Defective and poorly erected scaffolding poses significant risks to both construction workers and members of the public and each year a high number of people are killed and seriously injured as a consequence of poor standards being adopted by the industry.

"I would like to thank our partners, Aberdeen City Council, Construction Skills and the Grampian Occupational Safety and Health Group (Building Interest Group for their assistance in promoting this important aspect of health and safety."

Notes to news editors

1. The seminar was held at the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen, on Thursday(19th June) 2008.
2. The sessions were held prior to the launch of a joint HSE and Aberdeen City Council scaffolding protocol, which will be used to improve current poor practice.
3. Photographs from the event are attached.  They show HSE Inspector Niall Miller and two of the delegates. 

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Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and PR Scotland. www.coi.gov.uk