Merseyside safety event to help reduce death and injury in construction

Date:

30 June 2010

Release No:

HSE/NW/09SHADWirral

Merseyside construction workers are being urged to pick up lifesaving advice at an upcoming safety event after figures revealed that five construction workers are killed or seriously injured each week in the county.

The free event, which takes place in Wirral on Wednesday 14 July, has been organised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Wirral Borough Council, to raise awareness of construction industry dangers and reduce the number of workplace accidents.

HSE figures show that over the last five years, 1,419 construction workers have been killed or seriously injured in Merseyside, with two deaths and 201 injuries taking place in the Wirral.

Up to 150 people are expected to attend on the day, which will feature presentations from industry experts on asbestos awareness, working at height and vehicle safety.

Other highlights include exhibits and demonstrations from suppliers to the construction industry, including hire companies and personal protective equipment suppliers.

HSE inspector, Kevin Jones, who is based in Merseyside, said: "A lot of construction work is taking place in Merseyside and we want to make sure that work is being carried out safely, without any serious injuries. That's why we've teamed up with experts from the industry to offer support and advice on health and safety.

"The event is open to people who work for small and medium sized construction businesses which are either based in the Wirral or are working in the Wirral and we would urge as many people as possible to come along and pick up some potentially lifesaving advice."

The event will take place at the Professional Excellence Centre in Bromborough and registration starts at 7.45am with a hot roll and the main programme will run from 8.30am to about 12 o'clock.

More information on construction safety is available at www.hse.gov.uk/construction.

Notes to editors

1. The following table lists the number of serious injuries in each local authority area in Merseyside during the five years between 2004/5 and 2008/9. Three day injuries refer to injuries which required workers to take at least three days off work.
   
   

   Local authority area	Deaths	Major injuries	3-day injuries
   Merseyside	7	491	921
   Knowsley	0	44	81
   Liverpool	4	247	502
   Sefton	1	60	112
   St Helens	0	54	111
   Wirral	2	86	115

2. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk

Press enquiries

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

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