Around 42,000 construction workers suffer musculoskeletal disorder (MSDs) which can cause years of agonising aches and pains, potentially caused by improper moving and handling of materials
HSE is launching a new campaign addressing the moving and handling of materials on construction sites and the health complications that can follow.
Through September and October, HSE inspections will focus on moving and handling heavy or bulky objects on construction sites.
Many construction roles are physically demanding and a significant proportion of ill health in the sector is attributed to MSDs, where workers are suffering with pains in their muscles, bones, joints and nerves.
This can impact their ability to continue working in construction, or working at all.
2022 inspections found several instances of poor practice in moving and lifting materials
HSE inspections found evidence of a worker lifting an 80kg kerb on his own without any assistance from machinery, lifting aids or colleagues, and a 110kg floor saw that had to be moved into and out of a work van by two operatives at a street works site.
The law requires employers to control the risks of ill health of their workers. Before work starts, moving and handling risks should be considered and prevented where possible at the design stage.
The campaign will offer advice and guidance to employers and workers
Once on site, employers should talk to workers about controlling existing risks and make sure appropriate measures are in place, such as the right training, aids and equipment.
Previous inspections found widespread methods that can protect workers such as the use of mechanical equipment to handle large glazing panes, using small inexpensive air bags to help to position heavy doors when being installed, and the use of all-terrain pallet trucks to move blocks and brick-lifters to carry bricks around site.
Manual handling safety must be discussed more
Matt Birtles, principal ergonomist at HSE, said: “It is important that the issue of manual handling is not downplayed. Serious aches, pains and strains should not be accepted as routine when working in construction. These can dramatically affect every part of someone’s life – with sufferers struggling to get themselves dressed and undressed, and unable to pick up their children or grandchildren.
“The culture of a site may mean many people feel uncomfortable talking about these issues but if your back has gone or if you’re in agony whenever you move your arms, measures need to be put in place to address the causes.”
The correct equipment and information will protect everyone on site
HSE’s acting head of construction division Mike Thomas said:
“MSDs affect the lives of tens of thousands of construction workers and can lead to a lifetime of suffering. However, there are simple measures that can be taken to prevent this.
“Everyone involved in construction has a role to play in keeping people safe and healthy. We want everyone in the industry, from designers to contractors and their workers, to be aware of the risks associated with any moving or lifting task and put appropriate measures in place.
“The health of workers must be considered when planning construction work so that they can carry out their jobs without fear of injuring themselves or developing aches, pains and strains, including being provided with the correct equipment to lift and move materials safely.”
You can learn more about moving and lifting materials safely on-site here.
