- A thousand inspections in October and November
- Serious aches, pains and strains can affect every part of someone’s life
Combat Serious Aches, Pains And Strains
Although the above is for the construction industry, if your site is inspected, this will be on their agenda as well.
Lifting and moving heavy objects harms the health of thousands of workers and as a result, their lives will be affected.
HSE Warning
Experts at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) warn that workers can stop working, due to injuries or conditions, leaving them struggling to stand, walk, or even sit down.
Therefore, HSE carry out thousands of inspections and as a result, check how workers are moving heavy or bulky materials.
The law requires employers to look after the health of their workers and prevent ill health, for instance injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves that can develop over time, this is known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
However, recent figures show around 40,000 people in the construction industry suffer an MSD each year, which as a result, cause years of agonising aches and pains.
Furthermore, Moving and handling risks should be considered and prevented where possible.
Tip: Employers should talk to workers about controlling existing risks, in addition to making sure the right training, aids and equipment can prevent injuries.
Proper Management of moving and Lifting Equipment
If Equipment is managed properly, a physical job should not result in aches, pains and strains, which affect every part of workers’ lives.
A Principal at HSE, said: “Serious aches, pains and strains can affect every part of someone’s life. As a result, they can struggle to get themselves dressed and undressed, as well as unable to pick up their children or grandchildren.
Additionally, they struggle to sit down and stand up, keep still and move around. Furthermore, the most intimate parts of their lives can be severely affected –for eg. being desperate to go the toilet, but finding themselves unable to.
Although many find it hard to talk about, measures are needed to address the causes. if an injury has occurred for example , your back has gone, or in addition, you’re in agony when moving your arms.
HSE’s head of construction, said: “Inspectors are visiting a range of construction sites, in order to check the action businesses are taking, therefore ensure workers are being protected.
Everyone involved has a role to play in keeping people safe. For instance, Risks should be managed where they can’t be prevented, and risk management should be in place and must be reviewed frequently, in order to ensure they are effective.
Therefore, We want everyone to be aware of the risks associated with moving or lifting and therefore, put appropriate measures in place.”
Why Be Aware of Risks?
A significant health issue for tens of thousands of construction workers, can lead to a lifetime of terrible aches and pains.
Moreover, The health of workers must be considered so that they can carry out their jobs, without fear of injuring themselves, but this includes the correct lifting equipment to carry out the task safely.
In conclusion, thankfully there are measures that can be taken to prevent injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves.
Above all, doing so is good for workers and good for industry. Therefore, It’s good for business.”
Tip: Please make sure you are prepared in the event of a HSE visit, for instance, by making sure your staff have read your Manual Handling policy and in addition, completed their Manual Handling Training.
If you require any further information on these please call Safety Aide on 08000 806801.
