St Helens safety event aims to cut construction injuries

Date:

6 September 2010

Release No:

HSE/NW/12SHADStHelens

Construction workers from across the North West are being urged to pick up lifesaving advice at an upcoming safety event in St Helens.

The free event, which takes place at the Haydock Park Racecourse on 16 September, aims to raise awareness of construction industry issues and reduce the number of workplace accidents.

HSE figures show that over the last five years, 7,691 construction workers have been killed or seriously injured in the North West.

Around 200 people are expected to attend on the day, which will feature presentations from industry experts on asbestos awareness, working at height and fire safety.

The special training event has been organised as part of the Working Well Together initiative - a partnership between HSE and the construction industry - which aims to improve health and safety in the sector.

As well as practical demonstrations and presentations, visitors can pick up one to one advice from HSE staff and representatives from the Working Well Together (WWT) Campaign throughout the day.

HSE Inspector Alan Pojur, said: "A lot of construction work is taking place across the North West 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 in the construction industry to offer support and advice on health and safety.

"The event is aimed at self employed builders and the owners of small building firms from anywhere in the North West and we would urge as many people as possible to come along and pick up some potentially lifesaving advice."

Visitors can attend the morning session, running from 8.15am to 11.45am or the afternoon session, which starts at 12.15pm and finishes at 3.45pm.

More information is available at www.hse.gov.uk/construction or www.wwt.uk.com

Notes to editors

1. The following table lists the number of serious construction injuries in each metropolitan area in the North West during 2008/9. Three day injuries refer to injuries which required workers to take at least three days off work.
   
   

   Metropolitan area	Deaths	Major injuries	3-day injuries
   Cheshire	2	70	113
   Cumbria	0	45	75
   Greater Manchester	1	166	332
   Lancashire	0	78	186
   Merseyside	2	95	179
   North West	5	454	885

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