Construction companies and workers involved with refurbishment projects are invited to attend a free health and safety awareness event organised by Site Safe Scotland’s Working Well Together campaign and North Lanarkshire Council.
The half-day event on Tuesday 14th February 2017 at Clyde Valley High School in Wishaw, is aimed at small to medium sized construction companies and will provide clear practical advice on how to address serious issues that can impact on both business and lives.
In 2014/15 almost half of the workers killed in the construction industry were carrying out refurbishment work. This type of work also accounts for more than 50% of all the reported injuries in the industry.
The industry also faces many health challenges, for every fatal injury to a construction worker it is estimated that 100 die prematurely due to ill health, mostly from respiratory diseases caused by, for example, exposure to asbestos and silica dust.
There will be a rolling programme of presentations during the event on reducing risks in refurbishment of domestic and commercial sites, covering topics such as working at height and health issues including asbestos, manual handling and welfare.
Places are still available to attend this event. For more information and bookings please contact Anne Chesney at anne.chesney@hse.gov.uk or 020 3028 2426
HSE Principal Construction Inspector in Scotland, Isabelle Martin, who is attending the event, said: “Construction continues to be one of the most dangerous industries. Small sites account for the largest proportion of work- related deaths, with high levels of ill health and injuries each year.
“Over half of all reportable injuries occur during refurbishment work with a high number of deaths following falls through fragile surfaces every year.
“This free event will provide essential information and advice that could help save lives, so I urge construction businesses to attend.”
The Working Well Together campaign aims to significantly reduce accidents and workplace ill-health by not only raising awareness of key health and safety issues facing the construction industry, but by providing practical advice and solutions.
