A new safety initiative targeting small-scale building projects is being launched across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show two thirds of all construction deaths in the North West, and more than half of the serious injuries, occur in the two counties.

During the next six months, HSE inspectors specialising in construction will be visiting short-duration building projects to offer support and advice to workers and contractors.

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The new initiative will focus on projects which are being carried out on domestic properties, where health and safety may not ordinarily be a top priority.

Company owners and their employees will also be encouraged to attend one of a series of ten free health and safety awareness events to help improve standards in the industry. Neil Jamieson, Principal Inspector at HSE in the North West, said: "Construction is one of Britain's most dangerous industries so we want to do all we can to offer support and advice to construction companies and their employees.

"The focus of this six-month initiative is to offer tips on improving health and safety on sites, but we will take action in cases where there is a high risk of injury or ill health.

"There are many risks to workers on construction sites, from falling off roofs to the inhalation of harmful substances such as asbestos or silica dust, causing life threatening health problems."

(CD)