The first in a new series of masterclasses promoting health, safety and welfare systems and the difference they can make between life and death in the workplace has been attended by more than 50 Scottish construction professionals.

Official figures show that there were 174 occupational deaths reported across the UK last year. But there are estimated to have been more than 30,000 deaths from occupational ill health over that same period.

Led by Professor Willey, managing director of A.C.S Physical Risk Control Limited, the seminar covered all aspects of health, safety and welfare from the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to the present day and beyond.

Vaughan Hart, a director of Constructing Better Health and managing director of the Scottish Building Federation, also gave a presentation on modern human resources requirements and the potential problems to businesses of not conforming to health and safety requirements.

Vaughan Hart said: “It was great to see so many people from the construction industry come along to this masterclass to hear more on this subject.

“Health and safety in the working environment has always been paramount for construction businesses, but changes to the law and additional focus on issues such as occupational health and health surveillance mean it is important that managers keep up to date with new practices.

“We were delighted to have Professor Willey lead the masterclass and share his knowledge and experience, a result of over 35 years working in this area.”

Based on the new HSE strategy being driven by both the government and the Health and Safety Executive the key aim of the seminar was to demonstrate to businesses how best practice in managing health, safety and wellbeing within their workforce should be a key part of their strategy. The Scottish Building Federation plans to organise similar events in the future to help raise awareness and promote best practice.

The masterclass was hosted by the Scottish Specialist Contractors in partnership with the NFDC Scottish Region/NDTG Scotland, the Scottish Building Federation and A.C.S Physical Risk Control Limited.