The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will blitz construction sites across the UK this month to tackle poor work practices that cause long-term disability. Handling tools, lifting and working with cement are among the activities that will come under the spotlight.

“Construction has one of the highest rates of musculo-skeletal disorder in industry,” said chief inspector Kevin Myers. “Back problems, cement dermatitis, vibration white finger and deafness can ruin people’s lives and force them out of their chosen profession.”

Among other things, HSE inspectors will expect to find:

  • clean, tidy and well organised sites
  • pedestrian access routes
  • heavy lifting eliminated by design or lifting machines
  • worker access to hot and cold running water with proper basins
  • regular skin inspection by trained competent person where residual risk exists.

Source

Construction Manager

Postscript

A four-page free guidance sheet can be obtained from the Healthy Handling Helpline on 01582 444248 or: infonet@hse.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.hse.gov.uk/construction