Building safer places to work

A new campaign has been launched to help protect construction workers from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).

It’s thought that 42,000 people in the industry are affected by work-related MSDs, which can cause severe pain and have an impact on the ability to work and earn a living.

Work Right Construction: Your Health. Your Future aims to raise awareness of the potential risks posed by moving and handling heavy and bulky materials on construction sites.

Launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it features a range of resources explaining how to keep people safe.

HSE officers will also carry out inspections at construction sites and offer advice and guidance on the correct working practices.

Matt Birtles, principal ergonomist at HSE, said: “It’s important that the issue of manual handling is not downplayed. Serious aches, pains and strains should not be accepted as routine when working in construction. These can dramatically affect every part of someone’s life – with sufferers struggling to get themselves dressed and undressed, and unable to pick up their children or grandchildren.

“The culture of a site may mean many people feel uncomfortable talking about these issues 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.”

Find out more about the campaign.

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