Starting in early September 2023, HSE will be undertaking construction site inspections, focusing on moving and handling construction materials.

The inspections will be checking employers and workers know the risks, plan their work and are using sensible control measures to protect workers from injuries and aches, as well as pain and discomfort in joints, muscles and bones known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

These injuries can have a serious impact on workers’ ability to perform tasks; their quality of life; and in some cases, their ability to stay in work and earn a living.

This latest health inspection initiative is supported by the 'Work Right Construction: Your Health Your Future' campaign to improve the long-term health of those working in construction.

MOVING AND HANDLING REALLY MATTERS

An estimated 42,000 construction workers reported suffering from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder, which often results in aches, pains and discomfort in joints, muscles and bones. These can have a serious impact on workers’ ability to perform tasks; their quality of life; and in some cases, their ability to stay in work and earn a living. Many can and do suffer from long-term pain and discomfort.

Employers are required to provide their employees with health and safety information and training, including specific information and training on manual handling injury risks and their prevention to enable them to work safely. And construction workers need to recognise the long-term health risks when moving and handling materials on site.

Workers should not have to accept these injuries and potential long-term suffering as an inevitable part of construction work. Make sure you are aware of the risks and know what to do to stay safe.

HSE BUILDING SITE INSPECTIONS

HSE inspectors will visit construction sites across England, Scotland and Wales in September and October to check that workers’ health is being protected from the risks associated with moving and handling materials. They will look for evidence of employers and workers:

1. Knowing the risks.
2. Planning their work.
3. Using the right controls.

WORKRIGHT CONSTRUCTION: YOUR HEALTH. YOUR FUTURE

The ‘Your health. Your future’ campaign has been created by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety.

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Source: Health & Safety Executive