Cutting deaths in construction

Date:

28 May 2010

Release No:

SCO/147/10

Aberdeen event to give practical advice on reducing risks during the ground works phase of construction

Places are available at a free event, in Aberdeen, on Wednesday 30 June to help ensure workers are not put at risk when on construction sites, particularly during the ground works phase.

Small to medium sized construction companies are being invited to the half-day event at Gordon Barracks, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen (08:30am - 12:15pm). Figures show that 75% of workers killed or injured on building sites worked for companies employing fewer than 15 people.

Organised jointly by HSE and the Working Well Together campaign, this free health and safety awareness event will specifically address the issue of construction during the ground works phase. Employers and employees will be given clear and practical advice on how to address serious issues that can impact on business - and lives. There will be a rolling programme of practical demonstrations on topics such as: quick hitches; unloading/loading lorries; working with buried services; safe trench work and ground works as confined spaces.

HSE Principal Inspector, John Blackburn, Construction Division, Scotland, who will be attending, said: "Accidents at the ground works phase, in particular trench collapses, are often serious and can be fatal, so it is vital that managers and company owners understand how to reduce risks on their sites.

"This free event will provide essential information and advice that could help save lives, so I urge local construction businesses to attend."

Notes to editors

1. The event is being run from 0830 until 1215 followed by a buffet lunch on Wednesday 1st June, 2010 at Gordon Barracks, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8DB.
2. Press are invited to send a reporter / photographer to cover this event. Interview opportunities will be available. Please call Katherine Brown of COI news and PR Scotland to confirm attendance on the number below.
3. Guidance and advice on how to reduce risks in the construction industry can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/index.htm, which includes a free downloadable guide "Health and Safety in Construction HSG 150".
4. 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/. It 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.

Press enquiries

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

Issued on behalf of the HSE by COI News and PR Scotland