Construction industry shown benefits of 'Working Well Together'

George Brumwell, Health and Safety Commissioner and General Secretary of UCATT, today launched the 2004 'Working Well Together' Health and Safety Roadshow at Glasgow Harbour, an area undergoing major redevelopment in Scotland.

The Roadshow, featuring an interactive walk-through display, is taking key health and safety advice to construction workers and employers at sites across Great Britain over the next eight weeks.

The Working Well Together Campaign promotes best practice and encourages everyone in the industry - workers, supervisors, managers and directors - to take action to improve health and safety performance.

Sponsored by HSS Hire, with additional sponsorship from Bovis Lend Lease, CITB Construction Skills, Skanska and Taylor Woodrow, the Roadshow is also supported by Constructing Excellence, Trades Union Congress, Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Launching the Roadshow, George Brumwell, said: "During one week in August the industry tragically lost five construction workers: two of these deaths occurred in Scotland.

"Each workplace death is one too many, especially as incidents are often caused by foreseeable risks. There is no room for complacency.

"The Roadshow aims to prevent injuries and ill health by delivering vital information and advice to construction workers. The support for the Working Well Together Roadshow, is a positive sign that the industry is working together to further improve its health and safety record."

The construction industry can be a dangerous place to work. Last year 70 construction workers died - 4 of the deaths occurred in Scotland - and many thousands more were injured or suffered from health problems. Since the beginning of April this year, 27 construction deaths have been reported to the HSE - 6 of which occurred in Scotland.

(gmcg)