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In the last 25 years more than 2,800 people have died from injuries they received as a result of construction work and many more have suffered serious injuries or been made ill. In 2008/09, there were 53 fatalities in the construction industry.
Builders, scaffolders, roofers, electricians, joiners, painters and other construction workers were given a series of presentations on topics such as how to protect themselves from the risks from silica dust to advice on manual handling at last month's event at Wynyard Park, Billingham.
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The event also marked the launch of a new construction industry awareness group for the region - Working Well Together North East - and follows the success of the Health and Safety Event and Exhibition at Gateshead International Stadium last year - an event run by the industry for the industry.
Rob Hirst, Principal HSE Inspector, said: "The day was a huge success and the fact that so many construction workers attended shows just how important the industry considers health and safety issues. We were able to pass on a lot of helpful tips and advice and I am confident it will contribute to making the workplace a safer environment."
(CD/GK)
