The Federation of Master Builders has launched a national safety drive in an attempt to improve the record of small and medium-sized contractors.
The initiative, supported by the Health and Safety Executive, will include safety awareness days held in cities throughout the country.

Howard Locke, the FMB's director for north-west England, said the industry's health and safety performance needed to improve.

He said that it was important to carry the message across the industry.

Locke said: "Awareness and education play a key role and the health and safety initiative has proved to be of great benefit to construction companies for teaching new skills and updating regulations."

The campaign will include seminars and presentations on topics such as asbestos, risk assessment, working at heights and noise regulations.

The FMB's next event will take place on 2 October at Haydock Park racecourse, Merseyside.