Small contractors given health and safety advice

The spotlight is on safety for smaller construction firms at Canary Wharf today (Wednesday) as construction safety messages are spread "for the industry, from the industry".

The free, day-long event is the latest in a nationwide series of Construction Safety and Health Awareness Days (SHADs), as part of the Working Well Together programme which give a platform to the construction industry itself to advise others in the business on good practice and safety procedures when on site.

The Canary Wharf SHAD, aimed at small contractors who employ fewer than 15 people, sole traders and the self-employed, offers them the opportunity to find out about the latest developments to improve health and safety. Some 75% of all people killed or hurt on building sites across the country work for small companies employing fewer than 15 people.

Areas of greatest risk on construction sites will be highlighted and the latest information on a variety of topics, including the 'High 5' risks on site: the basics: tidy sites and decent welfare; falls from height; manual handling; transport; and asbestos, will also be available. 

The seminar has been organised by the Federation of Master Builders, Bovis Lend Lease, Kier Group, Bluestone plc, Y J Lovell, Allenbuild, Montpelier Group plc, Speedy Hire, Hilti and Canary Wharf Contractors Limited.