Lifting and moving heavy objects on construction sites is harming the health of thousands of construction workers to such a degree every aspect of their lives is affected. Experts at the HSE are warning workers are picking up injuries and conditions that can stop them working and leave them struggling to stand, walk, or sit down. Inspectors will be carrying out 1,000 inspections in October and November checking how workers are moving heavy or bulky materials.
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). However, recent figures show around 40,000 people in the construction industry suffer an MSD each year, which can cause years of agonising aches and pains.
- A thousand inspections in October and November
- Around 40,000 construction workers suffer injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves
- Serious aches, pains and strains can affect every part of someone’s life
Moving and handling risks should be considered and prevented where possible at the design stage. Once on site and before work starts, employers should talk to workers about controlling existing risks to make sure that the right training, aids and equipment are there to prevent injuries.
If moving and lifting is managed properly, a physical job on a building site should not result in aches, pains and strains which affect every part of workers’ lives.
What can we offer you at MBO Safety Services?
MBO Safety Services Limited has a strong team of specialist trainers who develop and deliver bespoke courses, all tailored to your business’s health and safety requirements. Our courses can be held at our training facility, or at a location of your choice.
Manual Handling is a course we offer that as an employer you need in order to protect your workers. The risk of injury from hazardous manual handling in the workplace is a growing problem. Manual handling means transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. It includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads. A load can be an object, person or animal.
This course is designed for anyone who needs to lift and handle items at work. This can include anyone from office workers lifting files and boxes to warehouse staff lifting deliveries and items for dispatch. To book this course visit our website at Training for Manual Handling | MBO Safety Services. Alternatively, get in touch for a quote today via email at info@mbo.ltd or give us a call on 01691 688723.
Source of information: HSE: Information about health and safety at work.