Hyde construction safety event aims to save lives

Date:

2 February 2011

Release No:

HSE/NW/14ConstructionTameside

Builders in Tameside are being encouraged to attend a free safety event after there were nearly 400 serious injuries to construction workers in Greater Manchester last year.

Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that there was one death and 393 serious injuries in the county's construction sector during 2009/10. Company owners and their employees are now being encouraged to attend a free health and safety awareness event at Hyde Town Hall on Thursday 10 February.

The aim of the event is to 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 Greater Manchester 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 one death and nearly 400 serious injuries in Greater Manchester 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.

"We're also offering tips on improving health and safety on construction sites as part of a six-month inspection initiative, 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 Hyde Town Hall on 10 February, Stockport Council Chambers on 16 February, and Crewe TA Centre on 16 March.
3. 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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