A MANAGER from a Middlewich construction firm is leading a regional safety group.

Claire Oakes, safety health environment manager at Pochin Construction, has been reappointed as chairman of the North West Construction Safety Group (NWCSG).

The Safety Group plays a key role in accident prevention in the region and is committed to improving safety measures in a high-risk industry.

Despite comprising only five per cent of employees in Britain, the construction industry accounts for 22 per cent of fatal injuries to employees and 10 per cent of reported major injuries.

Jonathan Pochin, managing director of Pochin Construction, said: “The industry has seen a continuous improvement in accident figures over recent years, and the 2012/13 HSE figures released next month will provide an interesting picture of what further improvements need to be made.

“At Pochin we aim to be exemplary in our dedication to health and safety measures, and Claire’s work as our SHE manager has been an important part of this.”

Claire said: “I’m thrilled to be returning as chair for the NWCSG, and excited to continue the great work we’ve done for health and safety management across the industry.

“It is a great privilege to work for two organisations that understand the importance of safety in the workplace, and this role will enable me to bring best practice into Pochin.”