We are supporting a national campaign to reduce accidents at work caused by slipping, tripping or falling.

The Shattered Lives campaign, organised by the Health and Safety Executive, is running throughout February to target employers in the food and drink, catering and hospitality, building, health and social care, education and construction industries.

Statistics show that slipping and tripping are the single most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces, with over 10,000 major injuries to employees each year.

Adverts in the press and radio are reminding employers of the importance of assessing and managing the risk of slip, trip and fall accidents and a new web site that tells businesses what action they can take to prevent these types of accidents.

"Understanding the legislation and guidance around health and safety at work can be difficult for businesses, but our business regulation service provides advice and practical help," explains Councillor Helen McKenna, Convener of Environmental Services.

"Our staff make regular inspections of local businesses to help ensure their premises are safe for all employees. We can also carry out workplace assessments and provide advice on all aspects of occupational health and safety, and our services are free and confidential."

Budget Brings Benefits

Details of a £30 million investment to build up to 500 new houses were announced as part of our housing budget on Thursday 4 February 2010

Convener of Housing and Social Work Services, Barry McCulloch, said: "This budget allows us to sustain major levels of investment in our existing properties as well as supporting ambitious plans for our new build programme.

"Although we face significant challenges, this is a further demonstration of this council's commitment to investing in key services for our residents.

The next five years will see over £200 million invested in capital improvements to our tenants' homes.

Last year, to support the local economy, the housing capital budget was increased by £20 million for the following two years; and this year there will be £58 million directly invested in housing. The range of investments includes:

* £1.3 million on regeneration (including back court upgrades and demolishing Glencairn Tower);
* £18.8 million on energy efficiency (replacement heating programmes, overcladding Brandon court, and windows and door replacements);
* £12.5 million on major repairs (lift replacements, floor coverings to common areas and chute replacements);
* £6.5 million on home safety and security (lead pipe replacements, door entry upgrades, rewiring, high rise security, CCTV replacement);
* £13 million on kitchen and bathroom replacements;
* £161,000 on upgrading alarms in sheltered housing complexes; and
* £1.1 million on decoration allowances/home loans (heating rewiring, kitchen and bathroom works).

Average rent increases have been capped at 3.5% for the fifth consecutive year. And this increase, combined with savings of over £500,000, will pay for a further £1,000,000 improvements including:

* £340,000 to expand the council's new build programme. This growth will help to deliver a more ambitious programme of 500 new houses, injecting over £80m into the local economy over the next five years;
* £270,000 to replace central heating systems and improve high rise security;
* £240,000 for housing repairs and maintenance; and
* £200,000 to increase budget provision for adaptations.

These decisions will be subject to agreement at a meeting of the full council at a later date.

A smart way to cut bills

North Lanarkshire - Source

Smart technology is helping us save money on our energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

Automatic meter reading (AMR) equipment is being installed in 150 properties, including primary schools, day centres and libraries.

The AMR equipment accurately monitors energy consumption which cuts out the need for estimated billing and highlights any energy waste.

"This new technology means we know exactly where energy is being used and we can take steps to reduce it, which will save money and reduce our carbon footprint," explains Councillor Anthony Clarke, Convener of Property Services. "For example, we can identify if power is being left on at night or at weekends when properties are not in use. This could be as a result of equipment left on standby or timers or thermostats wrongly set.

"A simple adjustment to electrical equipment could bring real savings. The Carbon Trust has identified that using AMR equipment could deliver 15% savings on heating and lighting costs."

By the end of March, around 150 of our properties will have the new meters installed at a cost of £25,000. This is part of an ongoing programme which will continue in the new financial year with a further 100 properties being targeted for installation. The cost of the meters will be offset by the savings made as a result of the reduced energy costs.

Monklands half marathon, May 2010

North Lanarkshire Council - Source

The Monklands Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 16 May at Drumpellier Country Park, Coatbridge.

There's a £100 prize for the winner, with additional prizes for entrants from other, selected age categories - but it's not all about distance running and dedicated athletes.

With two fun runs also on the day - 5k for adults and 1k for kids - this is an event that caters for the whole family. And even if you don't fancy running, spectators are welcome to cheer the runners on in the beautiful surroundings of Drumpellier Country Park.

There is a charge for taking part in the Half Marathon event, but the earlier you enter the less it will cost you. The SAL affiliated member advance entry fee is £10, and for non-affiliated runners it's £12.

Competitors can also enter on the day of the race at a cost of £15. If you're running as a relay team (6 competitors maximum) the entry fee is £20 - and you can only enter in advance, no teams will be accepted on the day.

Half Marathon entry forms can be downloaded here or contact Countryside Events on the right to have one posted and to enter online, use the Q-buster website.

Entry to the adult 5k run is £5, and to the 1k children's run, for primary 5 - 7 pupils, is £1. All entries for this event must also be made in advance, and forms are available from the Sport and Recreation Development Services contact on the right.

The race will start at 10.30am in Drumpellier Country Park, with car parking, changing and shower facilities at the Time Capsule on Buchanan Street, Coatbridge. Allow yourself at least 20 minutes to make your way from there to the start area. Water stations will be located within the park and also at the roundabout at Drumpellier Lawns housing development.

Road users should note that the route will incorporate stretches of the A89 Glasgow Road, the A752 Gartcosh Road, Townhead Road and Blair Road, with a short stretch through the country park.