The National Construction College Scotland today backed a major Health and Safety Executive (HSE) campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by slips, trips and falls in the workplace.

HSE figures show that three out of five fatalities in Scotland last year caused by slips, trips and falls from height were in the construction sector.

In response, HSE has launched a new phase of its Shattered Lives campaign, aimed at reducing slips, trips and falls in the workplace. The hard hitting campaign involves raising awareness of the impact of slips, trips and falls in the workplace and directs employers and workers to the new Shattered Lives website (www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives) for practical advice and guidance.

The National Construction College is Europe’s largest construction training provider. The Scotland campus, based at Inchinnan near Glasgow, provides first class training to both apprentices and adult learners in a variety of specialist trades.

NCC Scotland boasts the second largest purpose-built scaffolding training facilities in the UK, with the largest being at the College’s East campus in Norfolk. Health and safety forms a key part of all apprentice and adult training at the College and trainees are taught how to correctly erect and dismantle scaffolding as well as best practice for safe working at height.

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Allen Robertson, training manager for the National Construction College Scotland said: "Health and safety is an issue we take very seriously at the National Construction College and it is vitally important that the workforce is correctly trained in order to carry out their duties safely and efficiently.

"At the College, we incorporate health and safety into every course – from our shortest half day seminars to three year apprenticeships.

"We are very pleased to be able to support the HSE’s Shattered Lives campaign; helping to reinforce the importance of a fully skilled workforce."

Speaking during a demonstration of safe working on scaffolding at the college, Archie Mitchell, HSE Principal Inspector said: "The construction industry is being targeted in this phase of the Shattered Lives campaign because of the high number of deaths and serious injuries in the sector every year. Many of these are caused by falls from height, including from scaffolding. Providing construction workers with proper training and advice is essential if we are to reduce the tragic toll of loss of life and injuries.

"I am delighted the college is supporting the Shattered Lives campaign and that the training they provide will help ensure the next generation of construction workers can work as safely as possible."

HSE figures show that more workplace deaths are triggered by falls from height than any other cause, according to official statistics.

In addition to four fatalities in Scotland from falling from height, there were more 482 major injuries to employees, as well as 612 employees having to take over three days off work in 2008/09.

HSE has also introduced an online toolkit designed to give practical advice and guidance for people who occasionally work at height. It gives users information on the factors to consider when selecting access equipment for planned work at height. There is also guidance on how to work at height safely, plus useful information on some of the different types of access equipment available.

It contains videos, case studies and other free, downloadable material from HSE as well as advice and guidance from leading industry bodies in this field. The WAIT tool can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/wait/index.htm

(GK)