HSE to blitz construction site over manual handling

HSE inspectors will carry out an inspection blitz of construction sites in London and the South East during March, as part of a new manual handling initiative.

The initiative, titled Healthy Handling, will focus on site order and organisation, lifting and carrying, wet cement and hand held vibrating equipment and tools.

Handling and using tools, materials and substances can result in fractures, strains, musculoskeletal disorders, dermatitis, cement burns, hearing loss and hand arm vibration syndrome.

Last year 25% of major injuries in the construction industry were due to slipping or tripping while moving around construction sites. Each year it is estimated that 90,000 construction workers sustain musculoskeletal disorders, and 3,000 new cases of vibration white finger are diagnosed.

In addition, 5- 10% of construction workers are thought to be sensitive to cement, which can cause dermatitis and/or burns.

Commenting on the initiative, HSE chief inspector for construction Kevin Myers said: "While developing cement dermatitis or vibration white finger is unlikely to kill someone, it can result in significant injury and ultimately force someone out of their profession.

"Effective controls on exposure to these occupational heath risks can reduce or prevent injury and ill-health experienced by workers in the construction industry."