Oatridge has hosted a major event for the Health and Safety Executive to offer construction workers across the Lothians the chance to get free lifesaving advice. More than 150 people involved in refurbishment projects turned up to learn the best ways of handling a whole range of equipment, from scissor lifts and ladders to chemical sprays and (pictured) power tools for stone cutting.

The event was organised by the Working Well Together group, a partnership between the HSE and the construction industry. It was designed specifically to help self-employed workers and small construction companies, which account for 75 percent of the deaths and injuries in the sector. During 2009/10 42 workers died in construction-related incidents and two thirds of them occurred during refurbishment, repair and maintenance activities.

Visitors to Oatridge were able to watch demonstrations and presentations on topics like working with asbestos and working at height and were able to consult HSE staff and representatives of the Working Well Together Group for advice.

HSE Principal Inspector Iain Brodie said: “HSE Inspectors are currently visiting refurbishment projects all over Scotland to make sure they’re safe. I’d urge anyone who feels nervous about the prospect of an Inspector arriving on their site to brush up on best practice.”
www.hse.gov.uk