Cutting deaths in construction - Glasgow event aims to reduce risks

Date:

30 September 2009

Release No:

SCO167:09

Eleven workers in the construction sector were killed and more than 1,500 were seriously injured in Scotland last year. A practical event for builders, construction workers and contractors being held in Glasgow tomorrow aims to reduce this toll.

The Working Well Together campaign has organised a free safety and health awareness event specifically to address the issue of working safely at height. Being held at the Skills Academy, City Building, Glasgow, today (Thursday 1st October), the event will cover a range of 'hot topics' including working at height regulations, roof work hazards and solutions, work at height access equipment, good practice when working with scaffolding and preventing falls from vehicles.

There will be an extensive range of speakers, exhibitors and practical demonstrations of equipment.

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.

The event is aimed at the smaller companies in the construction sector as figures show 75 percent of all people killed or injured on building sites worked for companies employing fewer than 15 people.

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. Falls from height continue to be a major cause of deaths and serious injuries across Scotland."

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

Notes to editors

1. The event is being run from 0930 until 1230 on Thursday 1st October, 2009 at the Skills Academy, 99 Norfolk Street, Glasgow, G5 9LQ.
2. You are invited to send a reporter / photographer to cover this event. Interview opportunities will be available. Please call Paul Burgess 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

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR Scotland.