BUSINESSES in Middlesbrough have the opportunity to create safer working practices by attending a health and safety show in the town.

It will be held this week at the Riverside Stadium, where employers will be shown safe ways to tackle fires and how to treat casualties with basic first aid.

The Peterlee Fire Company will be lighting controlled fires and carrying out practical demonstrations to show people how to use fire blankets and extinguishers effectively.

First aid training company Nutec will use theatrical-style special effects to create realistic injuries and show delegates what to do if faced with a real-life emergency.

Middlesbrough Council's principal environmental health officer Emma Barber said: "The show will provide practical and useful advice to help Middlesbrough businesses deal with a wide range of health and safety issues.

"It aims to ensure that they are well informed about the regulations affecting them, and will provide much practical help and expert guidance as they need to attain high standards of health and safety."

Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to book into small workshops, where they will be taught practical skills, such how to carry out a risk assessment.

Delegates also have the chance to chat informally to health and safety experts in the exhibition area and get advice and updates tailored to their own particular circumstances.

The event is free to Middlesbrough businesses but delegates are asked to pre-register. They will then get a free welcome pack containing a range of helpful health and safety items, including videos, leaflets and other promotional material.

For more information and an application form, contact the Local Business Partnerships Scheme on (01642) 728 132.