Readers will remember the tragic death of Shanklin man, Dean Marden earlier this year, after he fell from scaffolding.
The devastating event of Dean’s death has led to a drive to encourage construction workers and scaffolders on the Island to sign up for a series of free, half-day health and safety events being held at the IW College. All aimed to improve standards and help prevent deaths and injuries on the Island.
According to Government statistics, there were 50 fatalities in the construction industry in Britain, in 2010/11.
What, where and how?
The events take place on 20 and 21 July, are the first of their kind on the Isle of Wight. Organised by Working Well Together (WWT) and supported by the HSE and several local organisations, they are designed to be particularly beneficial to small and micro construction businesses.
Each event will contain five sessions on different topics, delivered by expert speakers from the industry and consisting of practical, hands-on and up-to-date advice. There will also be exhibitors demonstrating the latest equipment and services that could help businesses improve their health and safety.
“We urge people to attend”
Mrs Molly Marden, mother of Dean Marden, said, “Losing Dean has been a total tragedy for our family and friends. He has left a hole in our lives that we will never be able to fill. We would encourage other scaffolders and builders to do anything to avoid becoming a victim of this kind of accident, and support the training events organised on the island. We urge people to attend.”
All the events are free but places must be booked in advance and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Numbers are restricted to two representatives per company. To confirm attendance, please email [email protected] by 15 July 2011. For more information, please call Nicola on 01983 535 208.
