Central Scotland construction firms encouraged to attend safety event

Date:

15 May 2012

Release No:

SCO/00412

Construction companies in the Central Scotland area are being encouraged to attend a free event to get to grips with health and safety in one of Britain's most dangerous industries.

With around 75% of workers killed or injured on building sites coming from small and medium sized construction companies, they are being invited to attend a free half-day safety and health awareness event in Blackridge, West Lothian next month (June).

The joint Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and construction industry's Working Well Together campaign has organised the event to focus on safety issues for construction workers, especially during the groundworks phase.

During the day 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 working in confined spaces.

Iain Brodie, HSE Principal Inspector, who will attend the event, said:

"Incidents at the groundworks phase, for example trench collapses, can often 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."

The event aims to offer employers and employees working in the groundworks phase of construction, clear practical advice on how to address serious issues that can impact on their business - and lives. The Working Well Together campaign 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.

The event will be held at Sibbald Training, Shona's Way, Sibbald Park, Blackridge, West Lothian on Wednesday, 27 June 2012, 8.30am -1pm. Places are still available but must be booked in advance. For more information and to book your free place please contact Allan Mulholland at allan.mulholland@hse.gsi.gov.uk or telephone: 0141 275 3062.

Notes to editors

1. Media are invited to send a reporter / photographer to cover this event. Interview opportunities will be available. Please call Regional News Network - contact details below - to confirm attendance.
2. 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 free downloadable guidance such as "Health and Safety in Construction HSG 150".
3. 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/

Press enquiries

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

Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by the Regional News Network