Cutting deaths in construction - free Orkney event aims to reduce risks

Date:

5 October 2010

Release No:

SCO/184/10

A practical event for builders, construction workers and contractors will take place in Orkney next week in a bid to reduce the death toll in Scotland's construction industry.

The Orkney Construction Training Group has organised a free safety and health awareness event at Orkney College on Monday 11 October, between 8.00am and 4.00pm. The event is being supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Construction Skills and the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

The event has been tailored specifically to the needs of the construction industry in Orkney and is the first event of its kind to take place in Orkney for more than four years. Supervisors and workers from building, construction or contracting companies are encouraged to attend.

The day will include presentations and demonstrations covering key areas including: working at height, safe roof work, manual handling, safe working near electricity and slips, trips and falls. There will also be sessions on occupational health and safety and employee responsibilities. The sessions will be delivered by representatives from HSE, Orkney College, IOSH, Healthy Working Lives, B&M Associates and SSE.

Peter Black, HSE's Construction Inspector for Highland and Orkney, who will be attending, said:

"The toll of injury in the construction industry in Scotland is a real matter for concern and we're keen to work with those in the industry to tackle this issue.

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

Stephen Kemp, the Orkney Construction Training Group (OCTG) Chairman, said:

"The SHAD is an event organised by the Orkney Construction Industry specifically for our local Construction Industry. All topics covered at the event are relevant to day to day issues faced on- site by Orkney's construction workforce.

"Attendance will help improve standards within the local industry and provide the opportunity for attendees to ask and learn what exactly is expected from HSE and what their role is in achieving this."

Notes to editors

1. 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
2. In 2008/09, there were 26 fatal injuries to workers in Scotland, 2,666 reported major injuries to employees and 8,841 over 3 day injuries to employees.

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Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and PR (Scotland)