Roofing contractors in the North East are being invited to take a 'bite out' with health and safety with a free breakfast seminar this month.

Bacon sandwiches will be on offer at the event held in Newcastle as part of the Health and Safety Executive’s work to reduce the number of injuries as a result of falls from height.

Aimed at self-employed roofers and small roofing companies in both the industrial and commercial sectors, the seminar will cover what the Work at Height regulations require; the standard HSE expects to see during roof work; the use of ladders and tower scaffolds and what HSE inspectors and health and safety awareness officers do. There will be an opportunity to put questions to a HSE inspector.


Principal Inspector of Health and Safety, Rob Hirst, said: "The purpose of the seminar is to inform local contractors of the standards that must be achieved in order to comply with the law and it is also an opportunity for roofers to tell us how HSE can help their industry to promote safe working at height.

"Our message to roofers is get it right when working at height. Select the right equipment, ensure people know how to use it safely, and then use it properly."

The breakfast seminar will take place on Thursday. February 21 from 9.30am to 11.30am at Newcastle College’s Construction Skills Campus, Wincomblee Road,Newcastle.

To book a place please contact Debbie Flynn, Health and Safety Awareness Officer on 0191 2026200 or email: Debbie.flynn@hse.gsi.gov.uk.

(JM)