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The dangers of overlooking health and safety in the workplace will be addressed at a series of seminars hosted by The Guernsey Occupational Safety and Health Association, in conjunction with Rossborough.
Support from the insurance broker means that GOSHA, a not-for-profit organisation, can provide the breakfast talks free of charge. Guernsey Workplaces Safety and Health Week runs from 16 January 2017 and will look at safety on building sites, dust and the use of scaffolding.
‘Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in which to work – always high on the cumulative list of incidents reported in Guernsey. Ill-health resulting from the use of chemicals and other harmful substances adds significantly to the overall industry incident numbers,’ said GOSHA chairman, Andrew Mills.
‘Dust is often ignored as a potential cause of harm. People breathing in harmful substances often do not realise the effects, and ill health may not become apparent for a considerable time; the gestation period for asbestos for example is six to more than 40 years.
‘The most frequent causes of serious incident in Guernsey are: slips, trips, manual handling and falls from height, and most could have been prevented with a little thought and care.’
Ian Stewart, managing director Rossborough, said the company had chosen to support the initiative to help prevent unnecessary accidents that could be easily avoided.
‘These discussion topics are very relevant to Guernsey and Rossborough hopes that people working in these areas will take advantage of the expert advice on offer. It’s an opportunity to receive free guidance on how to protect themselves and their employees,’ he said.
Leading the talk on safety in the construction industry will be Steve Roussel, president of the Guernsey Building Trades Employers’ Association; the Guernsey Health and Safety Executive will give a talks on the dangers associated with working with dust and the use of scaffolding.
