Leading the Charge in Safe Manual Handling Practices

Mon 25/09/2023 - 11:42

Health and Safety Executive inspectors have embarked on a mission to ensure the well-being of construction workers by conducting site inspections across England, Scotland, and Wales in September and October.

The HSE reports that an estimated 42,000 construction workers have suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders, leading to debilitating aches, pains, and discomfort in joints, muscles, and bones. These conditions not only hinder workers' ability to perform tasks but also impact their quality of life and, in some cases, their ability to sustain employment.

During inspections they are looking for evidence that both employers and workers are:

Fully aware of the associated risks
Proactively planning their work to eliminate or substitute these risks whenever possible
Utilising the appropriate controls when elimination or substitution is not feasible.

As an employer, you have a legal responsibility to provide your workers with comprehensive health and safety information and training. This includes specific training on identifying and mitigating the risks associated with manual handling injuries to ensure a safe working environment.

We understand the importance of proper manual handling training, and we offer a range of solutions to support your organisation in promoting safe practices:

Classroom-based Training: Our comprehensive training combines essential theory with practical applications, making it especially valuable for activities like manual handling. Upon course completion, delegates will gain a deep understanding of manual handling's role in a health and safety context, recognise factors contributing to manual handling injuries, appreciate the importance of reporting relevant health conditions, and demonstrate correct lifting and carrying techniques.

Online E-Learning: We also provide online e-learning training modules, offering a theoretical approach that complements your learning experience. SOCOTEC UK offers both classroom-based and online training courses via our online shop.

Don't let your workers accept injuries and potential long-term suffering as an inevitable part of construction work. It's crucial to stay informed about the risks and the necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety on site.

Together, let's build a safer future for the construction industry.