Builders picking up materials from the Cardiff branch of Jewson on East Moors Road, will also be able to pick up free advice on keeping themselves, their employees and everyone connected with their work safe.

On Thursday and Friday this week, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the South Wales working Well Together (WWT) group will set up an advice stand in-store.

The events are aimed at helping to reduce the number of fatal and serious incidents in construction, which is the country’s biggest employment sector, but it is also one of the most dangerous. HSE will join other WWT members, including some of the biggest names in construction, to provide to customers visiting the Jewson store on 25 & 26 September 2008.

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In Great Britain in 2006/07, there were 77 fatal injuries to workers in construction, a 28% increase on the previous year. Of these 77 fatalities, 50 were employees and 27 were self-employed, compared to 43 and 17 in 2005/06. There were five fatalities in Wales in 2006/07, compared with three for the preceding period, while there were also a total of 652 injuries classed as major or requiring more than three days off work.

HSE Principal Inspector for Construction in Wales, Chantal Nicholls said staff being put out of action had a knock on effect for businesses, but many incidents were preventable.

"Safety related incidents can cost businesses money and result in projects being delayed, and yet many incidents we investigate could have been avoided had safe systems of work been in place.

"These informal sessions offer a chance to discuss concerns with the HSE and get practical advice from those working in the industry too.

"It could save construction businesses time, money and ultimately it could save lives."

(JM)