HSE inspectors plan to carrying out 1,000 unannounced inspections in October and November to check how site operatives are moving heavy or bulky materials.
The law requires employers to protect workers from ill health, which includes injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves that can develop over time, known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, recent figures show around 40,000 people in the construction industry suffer an MSD each year, prone to years of agonising aches and pains.
The HSE says that 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 remaining risks to make sure that the right training and equipment are there to prevent injuries.
HSE principal ergonomist Matt Birtles said: 鈥淪erious aches, pains and strains can affect every part of someone鈥檚 life. They can struggle to get themselves dressed and undressed, they can be unable to pick up their children or grandchildren.
鈥淭hey can struggle to sit down and stand up, they can struggle to keep still and move around. The most intimate parts of their lives can be severely affected - they might be desperate to go the toilet but find themselves unable.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not something that many people feel comfortable talking about, perhaps particularly on a building site, but if your back has gone or if you鈥檙e in agony whenever you move your arms, measures need to be put in place to address the causes.鈥�
HSE head of construction Sarah Jardine added: 鈥淚nspectors are visiting a range of construction sites to check the action businesses are taking to ensure their workers are being protected.
鈥淓veryone involved in construction has a role to play in keeping people safe. Risks must be managed where they can鈥檛 be prevented, and risk management arrangements must be reviewed frequently to ensure they are effective.
鈥淲e want everyone in the industry, from designers to contractors and their workers, to be aware of the risks associated with any moving or lifting task and put appropriate measures in place.
鈥淭his is a significant health issue for tens of thousands of construction workers and can lead to a lifetime of terrible aches and pains. The health of workers must be considered when planning construction work so that they can carry out their jobs without fear of injuring themselves, including being provided with the correct equipment to lift safely.
鈥淭hankfully there are measures that can be taken to prevent injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves. Doing so is good for workers and good for the construction industry. It鈥檚 good for business.鈥�
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