Jun 25 2007
Building firms in the West of Scotland will get the chance next week to learn about new health and safety legislation that will have a significant impact on their business.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is joining forces with the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) to organise an event in Renfrew at which the building industry will be given important information and guidance about new Regulations which came into effect on 6 April.
Bernard Warden, HSE Principal Inspector for the construction industry in the West of Scotland, said:
"Construction is still one of the most dangerous industries, accounting for more than a quarter of all deaths of workers. In 2005/06 59 workers in the industry were killed in the UK, including eight in Scotland, so it is vital that employers keep up with the latest regulations designed to reduce this toll.
"We expect the new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) which came into force in April to bring about a step change in the health and safety performance of the industry, and next week's event in Renfrew is an excellent opportunity for all those in the West of Scotland who have a part to play in the lifetime of a construction project to learn how they are affected and what their responsibilities are.
"The new Regulations offer the whole industry - including clients and those who procure construction work such architects and other designers, contractors, demolition companies and workers - .an opportunity to change their approach to safety for the better, with the emphasis on greater co-ordination and co-operation between all those involved.
"A strength of the Regulations is that everyone involved in a construction project will have clearly defined roles and be aware of the extent of their responsibilities. The Regulations are sufficiently flexible to take account of the wide range of contractual arrangements within the industry."