HSE Blitz

HSE’s inspectors across Great Britain will shortly begin targeting construction firms to check that their health standards are up to scratch. The main focus will be on lifting and moving heavy objects on construction sites in a two-month safety blitz starting next week.

Around 1,000 site visits will take place in October and November checking how workers are moving heavy or bulky materials. As you may be aware, the law requires employers to prevent the ill health of their workers, which includes injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves that can develop over time, known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Moving and handling risks should be considered and prevented where possible at the design stage. Once on site and before work starts, employers should talk to workers about controlling existing risks to make sure that the right training, aids and equipment are there to prevent injuries.

HSE’s head of construction, Sarah Jardine commented on Construction Enquirer: “Inspectors are visiting a range of construction sites to check the action businesses are taking to ensure their workers are being protected. “Everyone involved in construction has a role to play in keeping people safe. Risks must be managed where they can’t be prevented, and risk management arrangements must be reviewed frequently to ensure they are effective.

To help  prepare for a potential HSE visit, which is likely to focus on lifting and moving heavy objects, we recommend that you refer to the following information sources that have been prepared by BSG and the HSE:

BSG Information: Lifting and moving heavy objects

Videos and Tool Box Talks

BSG TBT – Manual Handling
BSG Podcast Manual Handling

Risk Assessment templates (log in to the BSG Hub to view)

708 Manual Handling Operations.doc (hard copy in H&S Documents | Risk Assessments | Occupational Health section)
Occupational Health – Manual Handling (software version)

HSE Information:

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg383.pdf
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg143.pdf
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg171.pdf
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg478.pdf
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg438.pdf