January 21, 2004—The UK’s Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) new initiative focuses on handling and using construction tools, materials, and substances, which HSE warns can result in fractures, strains, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), dermatitis, cement burns, hearing loss, hand-arm vibration syndrome, and consequent long term disability and loss of job.
The “Healthy Handling” initiative, which will culminate in an inspection blitz of sites throughout London and East and South East England during March 2004, is being brought to the attention of clients, designers, planning supervisors, and contractors across the region.
Last year 25% of major injuries in the construction industry were due to slipping or tripping while moving around construction sites. Each year it is estimated that 90,000 construction workers sustain MSDs, and 3,000 new cases of vibration white finger are diagnosed. In addition, between 5.5% and 10.5% of construction workers are thought to be sensitive to cement, which can cause dermatitis and/or burns.
During the Healthy Handling initiative and blitz HSE inspectors will be focusing on site order and organization, lifting and carrying, wet cement, and hand-held vibrating equipment and tools. If not properly managed, each of these topics has the potential to cause ill-health and injury to construction workers. Inspectors will expect to find:
- Order and Organization:
- Clean, tidy, and well organized sites
- Pedestrian access routes and places of work kept free of obstacles
- Materials stored and left in a safe and accessible condition
Lifting and Carrying:
- Manual handling tasks eliminated by design or mechanization
- Safe handling based on an assessment of the risk
- All workers trained in basic, safe, manual handling techniques
Wet Cement:
- Assessment of risks from cement and control of exposure
- Hot and cold running water and adequate sized basins
- Regular skin inspections by a trained competent person where there is residual risk
Hand Held Vibrating Equipment and Tools:
- Information on vibration and noise levels from manufacturers and hire companies
- Risk assessments carried out determining safe exposure periods
- Equipment and tools in good condition and effective maintenance systems
Further detailed information on each of these topics is available in a five-page, free guidance sheet that can be obtained from the Healthy Handling Helpline at 01582 444 248 or infonet@hse.gsi.gov.uk, or from the HSE Web site.
