North East Kids Encouraged To Stay Safe This Summer
Construction machinery, unstable land and open excavations are just some of the topics that pupils from Dunnottar Primary School, Stonehaven, and Dyce Primary, Aberdeen, heard about.
Scott Shaw, Project Manager for the AWPR/B-T project, said:
“The construction of this critical and large infrastructure project is now well underway and, as you would expect of a project of this scale, there are a wide variety of works happening across the 58km long site. These construction works are highly visible and stretch across rural and urban areas.
“We know that this could make the AWPR/B-T site an attractive place for children to explore, particularly during summer holidays. However, we want to get the message across that construction sites are dangerous places and that the best way to stay safe is to stay away.
“The contractor for the project, Aberdeen Roads Limited, has prepared a leaflet providing advice on the types of dangers everyone can experience on a construction site and how you can best avoid these dangers by staying away, which is available to download from the project website.”
Aberdeen City Leader Councillor Jenny Laing added:
“Construction sites are very dangerous if used as a playground. Any initiative which discourages children and young people from entering them and exploring machinery is to be welcomed.”
Co-Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Martin Kitts-Hayes said: “With the AWPR/B-T route now well-advanced, it may be tempting for children to explore the changing landscape.
“It’s so important that they know the dangers that exist on a construction site, and the best way to do this is through education. I’m pleased that these pupils have had the chance to understand how a project as big as this is developed.”
Co-Leader Cllr Richard Thomson said: “Any opportunity to raise awareness about the project to the younger generation is good, both in terms of site safety and in generating interest in the project.
“I am sure the pupils will have enjoyed the chance to get a look behind the scenes of the AWPR/B-T project, and that the safety message will stick with them.”
Malcolm Findlay, General Manager for Aberdeen Roads Limited, said:
“The safety of the local community, road users and our workforce are of paramount importance to us. With the school summer holidays upon us, we are asking children to stay safe by staying away from our site. We’d also like to ask parents to ensure their children stay safe this summer and throughout the construction period.
“Though our schools engagement programme, which aims to inform young people about the project and the types of careers available in the construction industry, we have met over 4,500 young people from over 30 nursery, primary and secondary schools. We use these opportunities to stress how important it is to take your own safety seriously.”
Some comments from Dyce Primary pupils who included:
“I learned about blasting as a safe way to remove rock”
“I really enjoyed the noise monitor game!”
“I didn’t know there were so many different jobs on a construction site”
“I liked trying on the safety clothing”
Mairi Stewart, teacher from Dunnottar Primary School said: “Just wanted to say a huge thank you on behalf of both classes. The presentation was fab and really informative.”
The Stay Safe leaflet can be found on the project website at:
http://www.transport.gov.scot/system/files/documents/projects/AWPR/Leaflets/AWPR%20BT%20-%20Stay%20Safe%20Flyer%20-%2024%20June%202015.pdf