Safety event offers advice to builders

Construction workers involved in refurbishment projects across the Lothians are being urged to pick up life- saving advice at a free event.

The Health and Safety Executive's Working Well Together half-day event at Oatridge College, Broxburn, on Tuesday, will address working safely when involved in refurbishment, as well as the number of people suffering from work-related ill health.

During 2009-10, 42 workers died while working in construction across Great Britain. Two-thirds of these deaths occurred during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities.

Organisers say the event is aimed at self-employed and small construction firms and will offer practical advice on how to minimise risks.

HSE principal inspector Iain Brodie said: "I'd urge anyone who feels nervous about the prospect of an inspector arriving on their site to come along and brush up on best practice."