Organised by Site Safe, Scotland’s Working Well Together campaign and North Lanarkshire Council, the free half-day event at Clyde Valley High School in Wishaw on Tuesday, February 14 will provide practical advice on how to address serious issues that can impact on both business and lives.

Almost half of workers killed in the construction industry in 2014/15 were carrying out refurbishment work and it accounts for more than 50 per cent of all the reported injuries in the industry.

It is also estimated that 100 construction workers die prematurely due to ill health, mostly from respiratory diseases caused by exposure to asbestos and silica dust.

During the event, there will be presentations on reducing risks in refurbishment of domestic and commercial sites, covering topics such as working at height and health issues including asbestos, manual handling and welfare.

HSE principal construction inspector in Scotland, Isabelle Martin, said: “Construction continues to be one of the most dangerous industries. Small sites account for the largest proportion of work- related deaths, with high levels of ill health and injuries each year.

“Over half of all reportable injuries occur during refurbishment work with a high number of deaths following falls through fragile surfaces every year.

“This free event will provide essential information and advice that could help save lives, so I urge construction businesses to attend.”

For more information and to book a place on the course contact Anne Chesney at anne.chesney@hse.gov.uk or 020 3028 2426.

The Working Well Together campaign aims to significantly reduce accidents and workplace ill-health by not only raising awareness of key health and safety issues facing the construction industry, but by providing practical advice and solutions.