Last year in Scotland, 11 construction workers died and almost 1,500 were injured at work. Today an event is being held in Inverness to help reduce that toll by providing free health and safety advice to local construction workers.

The Construction Safety and Health Awareness day is being held at Inverness Caledonian FC Stadium, and will provide advice and practical demonstrations on occupational health, electricity/isolation, work at height, manual handling and safe use of quick hitches.


"There are still too many people dying or being seriously hurt on Scotland's construction sites" said HSE Inspector Peter Black, "and the vast majority of these incidents are avoidable. This is a free event for industry, run by industry and dealing with the topics which local companies have asked for. It aims not only to raise awareness of key health and safety issues facing the construction industry but also to give practical advice on how to avoid risks on construction sites."

A recent inspection initiative carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found problems with several sites in Inverness and the Highlands, leading to notices being served stopping work activity. Although the situation in the Highlands was not as bad as other parts of Scotland, HSE confirmed there was still room for improvements on a number of work activities and are now aiming to help the industry via this event.

(GK/JM)