HSE Campaigns to Control Risks of MSD in Construction

INSPECTIONS are to be carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in October and November to check how workers are moving heavy and bulky materials in a bid to control risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in construction.

Inspectors will visit a range of construction sites to carry out 1,000 inspections. They will monitor the action businesses are taking to ensure their workers are being protected.

The inspections follow a warning from the HSE that construction workers are picking up injuries and conditions that can leave them struggling to stand, walk, or sit down.

Controlling the Risks of MSD

The law requires employers to prevent the ill health of their workers, which includes injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves that can develop over time, known as musculoskeletal disorders.

However, recent figures show around 40,000 people in the construction industry suffer injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves categorised as an MSD each year.

The HSE says moving and handling risks should be considered and prevented where possible at the design stage. Once on site and before work starts, employers should talk to workers about controlling existing risks to make sure that the right training, aids and equipment are there to prevent injuries.

Sarah Jardine, HSE Chief Inspector Construction

HSE’s Head of Construction, Sarah Jardine said: “Everyone involved in construction has a role to play in keeping people safe. Risks must be managed where they can’t be prevented, and risk management arrangements must be reviewed frequently to ensure they are effective.

“We want everyone in the industry, from designers to contractors and their workers, to be aware of the risks associated with any moving or lifting task and put appropriate measures in place.

“This is a significant health issue for tens of thousands of construction workers and can lead to a lifetime of terrible aches and pains. The health of workers must be considered when planning construction work so that they can carry out their jobs without fear of injuring themselves, including being provided with the correct equipment to lift safely.

“Thankfully there are measures that can be taken to prevent injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves. Doing so is good for workers and good for the construction industry.”

HSE has a tool which can be used by employers to assess the risks to their workers of ill health here.