Construction workers involved in refurbishment projects across the Lothian's are being urged to pick up lifesaving advice at a free event on Tuesday 22 February.

During 2009/10, 42 workers died while working in construction across Great Britain and more than two thirds (69 per cent) of these deaths occurred during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities.

The Working Well Together campaign, a partnership between HSE and the construction industry, has organised a half-day event at Oatridge College, Broxburn, West Lothian, to specifically address the issue of working safely when involved in refurbishment, as well as the number of people suffering from work-related ill health.

The event will be particularly useful for the self- employed and small construction companies as it will offer practical advice and solutions on how to control or minimise risks associated with refurbishment. Figures show that three quarters (75 per cent) of all people killed or injured in construction work for small firms employing fewer than 15 people.

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As well as practical demonstrations and presentations, on topics such as asbestos and working from height, visitors can pick up one to one advice from HSE staff and representatives from the Working Well Together (WWT) Campaign throughout the day.

The event has been timed to fit in with an intensive inspection initiative currently taking place across Scotland. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspectors will be making unannounced visits to refurbishment sites, ensuring that they are managing work at height safely and that they are in good order, as well as checking that the risk of exposure to asbestos is being properly managed.

HSE Principal Inspector Iain Brodie said: "Construction is still one of the most dangerous industries in which to work. Last year more than two thirds of the workers who died in construction, worked in refurbishment, repair and maintenance.

"HSE Inspectors are currently visiting refurbishment projects all over Scotland to make sure they're safe. I'd urge anyone who feels nervous about the prospect of an Inspector arriving on their site to come along to this event and brush up on best practice."

(CD/GK)