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Market Report: Health & Safety pt1: Work at height & Manual handling Lighten the load Responsible for a high proportion of work related injuries, manual handling is an easily overlooked aspect of Health & Safety. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are the biggest cause of occupational ill health in Great Britain. The construction industry has the highest rate for such injuries, which include damage to muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. According to Health & Safety Executive (HSE) statistics, there are approximately 56,000 work related MSD cases annually within construction, with 45% involving injury to the sufferer’s back. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) establish a hierarchy of measures for dealing with such risks. These are: to avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable; to assess any hazardous operations that cannot be avoided; and to reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable. Not surprisingly, the HSE offers guidance on addressing these risks. Its Manual Handling Assessment Charts publication (INDG383) is designed to assist inspectors to assess the most common risk factors in lifting and lowering, carrying and team handling operations. It can also be used by employees, safety officers and other professionals, such as hirers, to identify high-risk operations and undertake risk assessments. Another publication, ‘Are you making the best use of manual handling aids?’ (INDG398) gives advice on using a range of lifting and handling equipment, from powered and non-powered trucks and trolleys, to mechanical hoists and vacuum lifting devices, for tasks in a broad range of industries. More advice is available at the dedicated HSE web site, www.hse.gov.uk/msd. Manufacturers have worked closely with users in industry to develop solutions for specialised manual handling operations, such as kerb handling. Many hirers serving contractors in this market have added these to their fleets. Also popular are powered compact carriers and dumpers that can shift loads quickly and efficiently. However, hirers should not overlook more humble equipment that they can offer to both professional and domestic customers, and which is just as significant in protecting against MSD and other injuries. “The importance of manual handling as a Health & Safety issue should not be underestimated,” contends Gary McWilliam, Managing Director of the Hire Supply Company. “Because of recent legislation, topics such as work at height and HAV have rightly received a lot of attention. But MSD remains a big problem, since it can affect so many parts of the body, including the back, arms and legs. As in so many areas, hirers can help by educating their customers. A burly builder might initially scoff at using a manual handling aid, but he would likely be the first to complain if he damaged his back and claimed that his supplier had not offered him appropriate equipment. Items like pallet trucks, sack trolleys and stair climbers are bread and butter products that should be in every hire fleet. They are straightforward, will not break down and will give quick and long lasting returns on investment.” Some lateral thinking can also increase hire opportunities in this area of Health & Safety. Gary McWilliam points out that glass suckers can also be used to grip and manoeuvre washing machines, fridges and other equipment with smooth metal surfaces during deliveries and home removals. “Also, hirers can consider adding equipment to their fleet that is less heavy than conventional versions. We have introduced a range of lightweight transformers, for example, that weigh in at 19kg instead of the more typical units weighing as much as 36kg, and this can again reduce manual handling risks.” Manual handling is among topics addressed in new Site Safety Plus courses offered by CITB-ConstructionSkills. They last from one day upwards and are targeted at operatives and management. Employers, including hirers, can claim CITB grants to offset the cost of employees attending eligible courses, provided their companies are in-scope and registered with CITB at the time of training. • Executive Hire News › Archives › March 2007 › Market Report › Lighten the load
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