The Isle of Man Employers’ Federation has recently met with Government’s Health and Safety Inspectorate (HSI) regarding the need for improved health and safety awareness amongst small and medium construction contractors on the Island. Taking advantage of the close relationships between the construction industry, the HSI, and the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a proposal has been developed that will bring HSE Construction Inspectors, experienced in the delivery of advice to contractors, to the Island on 10th, 11th, and 12th May to provide evening ‘workshops’ at no cost to contractors. It is anticipated that these workshops will take place at the Employers’ Federation training room at Onchan, and will be informal sessions and will include updates on safe working methods, Health and Safety Law, and what HSWI expect from the construction industry in terms of minimum health and safety standards. Topics to be covered will include: Duties of employers, employees, and the self-employed, Welfare, Fire, Work at Height, Electrical Safety, Occupational Health, Asbestos and Workplace Transport. Delegates will be offered an opportunity to ask questions and where possible specific advice will be given. Delegates will receive a certificate as proof of their attendance along with an information pack containing further guidance on health and safety and the matters discussed during the seminar. Each event will run to the same programme and as such, attendance at more than one event will not be necessary. Minister for Economic Development, Alan Bell, who’s Department had responsibility for construction industry policy said, ‘With over 400 contractors on the Manx Accredited Construction Contractors Scheme, these workshops will offer contractors an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to sound health and safety policies. I am delighted to see this co-operative effort from the UK HSE, our own HSI, and the Employers Federation to help our local construction contractors make their activities safer.’ Contractors that are on the Manx Accredited Construction Contractors Scheme and members of the IOM Employers’ Federation will be contacted directly. Other contractors should contact the Federation (details below) for more information. Ends