Eleven workers in the construction sector were killed and more than 1,500 were seriously injured in Scotland last year.

A practical event for builders, construction workers and contractors held in Glasgow yesterday aims to reduce this toll.

The Working Well Together campaign organised a free safety and health awareness event specifically to address the issue of working safely at height.

Held at the Skills Academy, City Building, Glasgow, the event covered a range of 'hot topics' including working at height regulations, roof work hazards and solutions, work at height access equipment, good practice when working with scaffolding and preventing falls from vehicles.

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There was an extensive range of speakers, exhibitors and practical demonstrations of equipment.

The event offered clear, practical advice and guidance on how to address serious issues that can impact on business – and lives.

The 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 was aimed at the smaller companies in the construction sector as figures show 75 percent of all people killed or injured on building sites worked for companies employing fewer than 15 people.

HSE Principal Inspector Iain Brodie, who will be attending, said: "The toll of injury in the construction industry in Scotland is a real matter for concern. Falls from height continue to be a major cause of deaths and serious injuries across Scotland.

"Events like this are designed to provide workers and company owners with the skills and knowledge they need to protect themselves."

(GK/KMcA)