ODA launches health and safety programme

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has created a new health and safety programme designed to highlight the dangers of construction sites to children.

Aimed at 1,500 children across the five boroughs affected by building work for the London 2012 Games, the scheme will inform youngsters about how to stay safe near sites over the summer.

The initiative, which may touch upon the use of personal protective equipment, will also feature a performance by a theatre group which outlines the dangers of playing on such areas.

John Arnitt, chairman of the ODA, said: 'It is important we talk to local children about the 2012 project and make sure they understand the dangers of playing near what will become the largest construction site in Europe.

He added that health and safety would 'always' be the body's number one priority, for both its workers and the site's neighbours.

Recent figures from the Health and Safety Executive found that the number of fatalities in the construction industry fell during 2007-08.

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