Construction roadshow tackles health and safety issues

A construction and labouring roadshow promoting the importance of health and safety in the workplace kicks-off next week, Inside Media reports.

The event, organised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) construction group, will gather industry leaders and building professionals to discuss safety issues and legislation.

It is well known  that within the industry, injuries lead to hundreds of hours of lost manpower, and often large payouts from accident at work compensation claims.

However this could change as David Ackerley, IOSH construction group chairman, told Construction Magazine that the UK-wide roadshow will provide an opportunity for professionals to discuss issues like health and safety management.

It will also demonstrate the correct use of personal protective equipment openly among peers, he said.

Ackerley went on to add: “In 2009/10, 42 people died whilst working in the construction industry. In the same year, the Labour Force Survey revealed that 3.3 million working hours were lost in the industry due to work related injury and ill health.”

“Whilst we are no longer in a recession, so many of us within the industry are feeling the pinch. It is vital that bosses and staff continue to uphold occupational health and safety at this time, to ensure that standards do not slip and fatalities and workplace injuries do not rise.”

He concluded by saying that small and medium-sized businesses in particular should learn about the importance of health and safety in the workplace.

The first leg of the roadshow is set to take place at Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground on the 25th May. Speakers at the event include Ian Strudley, head of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) health risk management unit; and David Lummis from the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF).

 
Author: Nicholas Jervis