Jan 15 2004
Some of the biggest causes of ill-health and injury in construction are the focus of a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) initiative that will culminate in an inspection blitz of sites throughout London, East and South East England during March 2004. The initiative, titled ‘Healthy Handling’, is being brought to the attention of clients, designers, planning supervisors and contractors across the region.
Handling and using tools, materials and substances can result in fractures, strains, musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs), dermatitis, cement burns, hearing loss, hand arm vibration syndrome and consequent long term disability.
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 organisation, 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.
The four core issues are:
- Order and Organisation
- Lifting and Carrying
- Wet Cement
- Hand Held Vibrating Equipment and Tools
Source: HSE