He told delegates in a keynote address that in these difficult economic times it was more important than ever for those with influence within the industry to come together and discuss and debate health and safety issues.
The conference was organised by the Scottish Construction Forum (SCF) and the Health and Safety Executive to give delegates the opportunity to learn how their firms can contribute to the success of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The "Aiming High - Landing Safely" seminar highlighted health and safety best practice in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics and how the lessons learned will help raise the bar for the Glasgow 2014 Games and beyond. The event also reminded firms of the wider health and safety issues that affect the construction industry.
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Stephen Williams said he was "extremely pleased" at the turnout.
"It is important to ensure that health and safety and training initiatives are not discarded as a short term reaction to economic pressure. This is the time companies should be investing in health and safety, because those who do place value on good health and safety practices will reap the benefits.
"There is still a lot to do. The construction industry is killing on average 70 people a year, and we will only address that if everybody at every level takes responsibility for health and safety," he said.
Archie Ferguson, Chair of the Scottish Construction Forum said: "I am absolutely delighted at the calibre of speakers we have had today and at the wealth of information which has been provided to key members of the construction industry in Scotland."
The seminar was designed to be particularly relevant for organisations wishing to be part of the delivery of the Games - from infrastructure projects to transport provision and leisure and recreation services.
Other key speakers at the event included Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism; Tim Clarke, Divisional Managing Director, Balfour Beatty Construction; and Mark McEwan, Senior Manager, Capital Investment, Scottish Water. Steven Purcell, Leader of Glasgow City Council, opened the event.
(GK/BMcC)
