Seminar aims to reduce construction death toll
June 3, 2008
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Scottish Housebuilders Health and Safety Forum and Homes for Scotland have joined forces to host a seminar aimed at reducing the number of workplace injuries and deaths on construction sites.
According to the HSE, around 70 people died in Scotland and 3,800 were seriously injured after falling from heights last year.
The seminar will take place at Almondvale football stadium in Livingstone on Wednesday and is aimed at company directors, managers and key sub-contractors.
Issues such as falls from vehicles, scaffold design and occupational health will be discussed and attendants will be offered practical guidance on how to address problems in these areas.
Jim Skilling, a HSE principal inspector, believes recent checks by investigators have revealed an urgent need for advice on how to maintain safe working environments.
"A recent programme of inspections by HSE inspectors throughout Scotland revealed unacceptable practice in almost one in three building refurbishment sites we visited, and on many sites, we had to stop dangerous activity from taking place," he said.
The executive is currently running its Shattered Lives campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the risks of slips, trips and falls and help those involved to take action to prevent them.
According to the HSE, around 70 people died in Scotland and 3,800 were seriously injured after falling from heights last year.
The seminar will take place at Almondvale football stadium in Livingstone on Wednesday and is aimed at company directors, managers and key sub-contractors.
Issues such as falls from vehicles, scaffold design and occupational health will be discussed and attendants will be offered practical guidance on how to address problems in these areas.
Jim Skilling, a HSE principal inspector, believes recent checks by investigators have revealed an urgent need for advice on how to maintain safe working environments.
"A recent programme of inspections by HSE inspectors throughout Scotland revealed unacceptable practice in almost one in three building refurbishment sites we visited, and on many sites, we had to stop dangerous activity from taking place," he said.
The executive is currently running its Shattered Lives campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the risks of slips, trips and falls and help those involved to take action to prevent them.
More Risk Assessment news:
Plant fined GBP30,000 after worker loses three fingers - July 3, 2009Safety warning to children about construction sites dangers - July 2, 2009
Company ignores rules for eight years - June 24, 2009
Breaches led to the deaths of two workmen - June 23, 2009
Borders farm fined GBP 6650 after employee died in quad bike crash - June 17, 2009
