A practical event for builders, construction workers and contractors in Fife this week aims to reduce the death toll in Scotland's construction industry.

Eleven workers in the construction sector were killed and more than 1,500 were seriously injured in Scotland last year.

The Working Well Together campaign has organised a free safety and health awareness event at the Crossgates Training Centre on Tuesday 3 November, specifically to address the issue of working safely when involved in groundworks.


This event will be particularly useful for those who are self-employed or who run a small construction company and will offer practical advice and solutions on how to control or minimise risks associated with groundworks. Figures show 75% of all people killed or injured on building sites worked for small firms employing fewer than 15 people.

The day will include a series of presentations and demonstrations covering key areas including: plant and equipment, including quick hitch and lifting; falls from vehicles, loading and offloading lorries; cable detection; safe digging techniques and trenches including shoring and working in confined spaces.

The event aims to offer clear, practical advice and guidance on how to address serious issues that can impact on business - and lives. The campaign aims to significantly reduce accidents, by not only raising awareness of key health and safety issues facing the construction industry, but by giving practical advice and solutions.

(CD/BMcC)