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 Working at Height news:
Police seminar 'includes working at height training' - December 24, 2008Worker fined GBP 2,500 after accident - December 24, 2008
Hospitality workshop focuses on slips and trips - December 2, 2008
Final slice of health and safety Cake - December 1, 2008
British Gas pays £4,700 after accident - November 28, 2008
