Chester construction safety event aims to save lives

Date:

11 January 2011

Release No:

HSE/NW/14Construction Chester

Builders in Chester are being encouraged to attend a free safety event in the city (Tuesday 18 January) after two construction workers were killed in Cheshire last year.

Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that, on average, three workers in the construction sector across the county were injured every week during 2009/10, as 150 workers suffered serious injuries.

Company owners and their employees are being encouraged to attend the free health and safety awareness event to help improve standards in an industry where there are many potential risks - from falling from height to life threatening health problems caused through inhaling asbestos or silica dust.

The team of inspectors which are taking part in the construction initiative in Greater Manchester and Cheshire

Meanwhile, HSE inspectors are visiting sites across Cheshire to offer support and advice to workers and contractors. The initiative is focusing on projects which are being carried out on domestic properties, where health and safety may not ordinarily be a top priority.

Joseph Wood, Health and Safety Awareness Officer at HSE, said:

"These latest figures show that construction is still one of Britain's most dangerous industries, with two deaths and 150 serious injuries in Cheshire alone last year.

"We're here to offer support and advice to construction companies and their employees, and are encouraging builders to come along to this free event.

"Meanwhile, the focus of this six-month inspection initiative is to offer tips on improving health and safety on sites, but we will continue to take action in cases where there is a high risk of injury or ill health."

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

Notes to editors

1. The attached photo shows the team of inspectors which are taking part in the construction initiative in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
2. The safety awareness events are due to be held at Chester TA Centre on 18 January, Chorlton High School in Manchester on 27 January, Hyde Town Hall on 10 February, Stockport Council Chambers on 16 February, and Crewe TA Centre on 16 March.
3. The following table lists the number of deaths and serious injuries in the construction industry, in each local authority area in Cheshire during 2009/10. 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
   Cheshire East	0	21	25
   Cheshire West and Chester	2	11	36
   Halton	0	6	17
   Warrington	0	11	23
   Total	2	49	101

4. 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

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