Launch of new construction safety group builds big support

Date:

27 May 2010

Release No:

NE/160/10

More than 200 construction workers attended a special North East health and safety event to help reduce fatal and serious accidents at work.

In the last 25 years more than 2,800 people have died from injuries they received as a result of construction work and many more have suffered serious injuries or been made ill. In 2008/09, there were 53 fatalities in the construction industry - that's equivalent to one a week.

Builders, scaffolders, roofers, electricians, joiners, painters and other construction workers were given a series of presentations on topics such as how to protect themselves from the risks from silica dust to advice on manual handling at last month's event at Wynyard Park, Billingham.

The event also marked the launch of a new construction industry awareness group for the region - Working Well Together North East - and follows the success of the Health and Safety Event and Exhibition at Gateshead International Stadium last year - an event run by the industry for the industry.

Rob Hirst, Principal HSE Inspector, said:

"The day was a huge success and the fact that so many construction workers attended shows just how important the industry considers health and safety issues. We were able to pass on a lot of helpful tips and advice and I am confident it will contribute to making the workplace a safer environment."

Pat McCourt from Mears Group PLC, social housing repairs and maintenance providers, South Aycliffe Business Park, Durham, said:

"It was very well organised with relevant content. Excellent event."

Robert Burrell from Stockton Borough Council's Highways department, said:

"The course was very good. One of the best I have been on".

Notes to editors

1. The event was organised by the Working Well Together partnership in the North East, which is made up of more than 20 regional organisations, some of which can be found on the "Partners" page of the WWT North East regional group webpages. For more information about Working Well Together North East log onto the website at www.wwt.uk.com

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Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and PR North East