HSE has carried out over 1,000 inspections in six weeks, to check how workers were handling materials in construction projects
The inspections by HSE on how workers were handling materials revealed many examples of good practices.
These included using mechanical equipment to handle large glazing panes, using inexpensive airbags to help position heavy doors when being installed, and using all-terrain pallet trucks to move blocks and brick-lifters to carry bricks around site.
Despite this, HSE inspectors found many examples of poor practice, including 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, both of which resulted in enforcement action.
Working in construction is a physically demanding job, and many construction workers suffer injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves that affect their health and ability to work.
Lifting heavy objects is harming the health of thousands of construction workers
HSE’s acting head of construction division, Mike Thomas, said: “Lifting and moving heavy, bulky and awkward-to-handle objects on construction sites is harming the health of thousands of construction workers to such a degree every aspect of their lives is affected.
“The 1,000 plus inspections just completed took place across a range of construction sites to check the action businesses are taking to ensure their workers’ health is being protected.
“We know from early analysis that HSE’s MAC Tool (Manual Handling Assessment Charts) was used by inspectors at a large number of inspections to improve duty holders’ understanding of the risks and inform enforcement decisions.
“A full evaluation of the inspection data is underway, and we will release more information in due course.”
Moving and handling risks should be considered and prevented where possible
Developed to identify high-risk manual handling, HSE’s MAC Tool helps to assess the most common risk factors in lifting, carrying and handling activities.
The law requires employers to prevent the ill health of their workers, which includes injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves that can develop over time, known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Moving and handling risks should be considered and prevented at the design stage. Once on-site and before work starts, employers should talk to workers about controlling existing risks to ensure that the right handling aids, equipment and training are in place to prevent MSD injuries.
HSE inspector Ian Whittles added: “How materials are moved around site and used in the construction process needs to be considered from the design stage right through to the construction stage.
“For example, planning for how materials are moved and handled from the point of delivery to the point of installation on all kinds of sites from small domestic projects with limited access, to large inner-city commercial sites.”
