Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) Bill Callaghan, will give the keynote opening address for both the morning and afternoon sessions of HSE's Height Aware campaign at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium tomorrow, Thursday 22 June.
The Old Trafford event will see over 300 companies from throughout the North West in attendance, making this the region's biggest of the campaign. The companies will hear more about the often simple and practical measures they can take to prevent adding to the toll of over 5,300 North West people who have suffered injuries during the last four years, including 34 fatalities - an average of just over 25 per week.
John McGrellis, HSE's Lead Co-ordinator in the North West for the Height Aware campaign commented:
"The dangers involved in working at such low levels may seem less obvious to employees or small business owners - which is why raising awareness of them is all the more important.
"Falls are preventable when work is planned properly, the risks are accurately assessed, and the correct equipment is used. Accidents cost businesses money, but for a smaller operator, it can cost you much more than that - it could cost you your business. Worst of all for the individual - it could cost them their life.
"Even if you're not that high off the ground, a simple fall could see you ending up in plaster or worse. It is impossible to underestimate the importance of this issue, and it makes absolute sense to take your safety seriously."
