A podcast for the construction industry has been launched this week by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Supporting the Work Right Construction: Your Health. Your Future campaign, this new episode discusses the impact and the prevention of the serious aches, pains and strains that can affect every part of a construction worker’s life.
In the episode, Matt Birtles, Principal Ergonomics and Human Factors Consultant at HSE, which is Great Britain’s workplace regulator, and Peter Crosland, National Civil Engineering Director at the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), talk about what the construction industry can do to promote change and protect its workforce.
Last year, 40,000 construction workers reported suffering with serious aches, pains and strains, more formally known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
The conversation covers the impact that these injuries can have on workers, employers’ legal responsibilities and the sensible control measures that can be introduced regardless of the size of the construction site.
The podcast launches as HSE inspectors carry out 1,000 inspections this month and next, checking how workers are moving heavy or bulky materials.
Matt said that 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.
He said: “They can struggle to get themselves dressed and undressed, they can be unable to pick up their children or grandchildren.
“They can struggle to sit down and stand up, they can struggle to keep still and move around. The most intimate parts of their lives can be severely affected – they might be desperate to go the toilet but find themselves unable.
“It’s not something that many people feel comfortable talking about, perhaps particularly on a building site, but if your back has gone or if you’re in agony whenever you move your arms, measures need to be put in place to address the causes.”
- Listen to the podcast here: https://hsepodcast.podbean.com/e/manual-handling-in-construction/
- Find out more and download free HSE resources, including an MSDs poster here: https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/workright-construction-your-health-your-future
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