HUMAN FACTORS & ERGONOMICS MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT


With the HSE undertaking a thousand inspections during October and November in an effort to drive down the rates of muscular skeletal disorders (MSDs) in the construction industry, Alex Minett, Head of Products & Markets at CHAS, looks at the steps workers and employers can take to prevent these injuries on site.


Construction work is a physical job, meaning lifting and moving heavy objects on site is to be expected. Nevertheless, the law requires employers to prevent the ill health of their workers,


which includes injuries to muscles, bones,


joints and nerves. The good news is that when


work is properly planned and


the correct training, aids and equipment are in place to prevent injuries, many moving and handling risks can be effectively mitigated.


HOW CAN BACK PROBLEMS OCCUR? Generally, back issues will develop over time and


become a chronic or episodic problem causing mild to severe pain. Sometimes they will occur after a work- related accident. According to the HSE, tasks that can cause back pain or make existing issues worse include:


• Lifting heavy or bulky loads. • Carrying loads awkwardly, possibly one-handed. • Pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads.


• Manual handling in awkward places, such as during delivery work.


• Repetitive tasks, such as packing products. • Bending, crouching or stooping. • Stretching, twisting and reaching. • Being in one position for a long time.


• Working beyond your capability or when physically overtired.


• Working with display screen equipment (with poor posture).


• Driving long distances or over rough ground, especially if the seat is not, or cannot be, properly adjusted or operating heavy equipment (for example, excavators).


While rarely life-threatening, back problems can cause life-limiting conditions and chronic pain for sufferers.


LEGAL OBLIGATIONS AND MANAGING THE RISK Under the The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974,


employers have a duty to protect workers from harm by providing adequate training in health and safety as well as information, instruction and supervision. They must also maintain a secure working environment where tasks can be undertaken safely.


34


The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 relate specifically to work that involves ‘the moving of items either by lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing or pulling’, any of which could present a potential risk of injury. It’s easier to prevent back injuries than cure them, and the steps an employer must take under the regulations begin with looking at whether the need for manual handling can be avoided altogether. Where this is not possible employers then have a duty to make a suitable assessment of the risk of injury from any manual handling operations that cannot be avoided while looking to reduce the risk of harm to as low as is reasonably practical, such as by using machinery or other equipment to carry out the task. Risk assessments and safety procedures should be reviewed regularly. Lastly, the regulations state that where possible, employees who are undertaking manual handling should be provided with precise information on the weight of each load and the heaviest side of any load whose centre of gravity is not positioned centrally.


“EMPLOYERS HAVE A DUTY TO MAKE A SUITABLE ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK OF INJURY FROM ANY MANUAL HANDLING OPERATIONS THAT CANNOT BE AVOIDED.”


Training is a crucial aspect of managing any health and safety risk. For example, employees should be educated on the dangers of back and spine injuries and how to recognise and avoid the causes. Training should also include techniques on moving and handling heavy loads and equipment either through demonstrations or videos.


Employee input when it comes to managing the risk of back injury is valuable. Often back pain occurs following a previous episode, so employees are best placed to provide information on their back health histories as well as their capabilities and they should always be encouraged to report problems early so the proper treatment can be sought. People are far more likely to recover from back pain when recognised early and treated appropriately. Where an employee may be reluctant to admit to their limitations, look for signs they may be struggling with back pain. Reluctance to do particular tasks could be a red flag that they are harbouring an injury.


www.tomorrowshs.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46