Builders in Tameside are being encouraged to attend a free safety event after there were nearly 400 serious injuries to construction workers in Greater Manchester last year.

Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that there was one death and 393 serious injuries in the county's construction sector during 2009/10. Company owners and their employees are now being encouraged to attend a free health and safety awareness event at Hyde Town Hall on Thursday 10 February.

The aim of the event is to improve standards in an industry where there are many potential risks − from falling from height to life-threatening health problems caused through inhaling asbestos or silica dust.

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Meanwhile, HSE inspectors are visiting sites across Greater Manchester to offer support and advice to workers and contractors. The initiative is focusing on projects which are being carried out on domestic properties, where health and safety may not ordinarily be a top priority.

Joseph Wood, Health and Safety Awareness Officer at HSE, said: "These latest figures show that construction is still one of Britain's most dangerous industries, with one death and nearly 400 serious injuries in Greater Manchester alone last year.

"We're here to offer support and advice to construction companies and their employees, and are encouraging builders to come along to this free event.

"We're also offering tips on improving health and safety on construction sites as part of a six-month inspection initiative, but we will continue to take action in cases where there is a high risk of injury or ill health."

The free safety event will take place at Hyde Town Hall on Corporation Street at 5pm on Thursday 10 February.

(CD)