A JOINT venture between Pendle Council environmental health service and safety officers is aiming to improve health and safety standards among local employers and employees.

The council has joined forces with other local authorities and Pendle's Business Environment Association to mark European Health and Safety Week.

The week, which runs until Saturday, is aimed at raising awareness of the lethal hazards associated with construction work.

During the week, the council is offering courses on building site safety and managing contractors. Information packs are also being distributed.

Stuart Arnott, the council's environmental health manager, said: "It is in no-one's interest for employees, or members of the public, to be injured or suffer ill-health as a result of not following clear and readily available advice."