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News release

13 May 2011 - NR 25/11

Construction roadshow to renovate health and safety

A roadshow devoted to tackling health and safety issues in the construction industry kicks off in Bristol later this month (25 May).

The event, organised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) Construction Group, will bring together construction professionals to discuss challenging industry issues and best practice.

David Ackerley, IOSH Construction Group chair, said: “In 2009/10 42 people died whilst working in the construction industry. In the same year, the Labour Force Survey revealed that 3.3 million working hours were lost in the industry due to work related injury and ill health.

“Whilst we are no longer in a recession, so many of us within the industry are feeling the pinch. It is vital that bosses and staff continue to uphold occupational health and safety at this time, to ensure that standards do not slip and fatalities and workplace injuries do not rise.”

‘New approaches to old problems’ will take an in-depth look at the hot occupational health and safety topics currently challenging the industry, including the management of health in the workforce, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), influencing safety culture and supply chain management. The event will provide guidance on a range of issues and offer practical, cost effective solutions focused on keeping construction healthy, safe and sustainable.

Mr Ackerley added: “There has never been a more important time to share knowledge and best practice for the benefit of all.

“At a time when competitive advantage is key, we must ensure that health and safety leadership is at the very forefront of what we do and is not limited to the biggest companies or the largest projects.”

As well as providing a networking opportunity for all those who attend, the event will highlight the role health and safety professionals can play in influencing the safety cultures of organisations, particularly SME’s.

The first leg of the roadshow is set to take place at Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground on 25 May. Speakers at the event include Ian Strudley, Head of the Health and Safety Executive Health Risk Management Unit, and David Lummis from the British Safety Industry Federation.

During 2011 the roadshow will visit Edinburgh on 8 September, the Isle of Man on 11 October and finally, 30 November in London.

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Notes for editors:

IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. With more than 40,000 members in 85 countries, we’re the world’s biggest professional health and safety organisation.

We set standards, and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training. We’re the voice of the profession, and campaign on issues that affect millions of working people.

IOSH was founded in 1945 and is a registered charity with international NGO status.