Manual Handling Injuries: A Hidden Danger in Construction
Posted on 4th November 2024 at 14:05
Construction workers face significant risks daily from improper lifting and handling techniques. According to CHAS, one in three workplace accidents is caused by manual handling, with 300,000 people in the UK suffering from back pain due to manual handling accidents.
The Scale of the Problem
Manual handling injuries account for 18% of all non-fatal injuries within the construction industry. In 2022/23, there were approximately 561,000 workers sustaining non-fatal injuries across all industries, with a significant portion related to manual handling activities. Around 437,000 workers experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), with 41% affecting back and upper limbs or neck issues.
Common Manual Handling Injuries in Construction
Construction workers are particularly vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders, with 54% of all work-related ill health in the sector related to these conditions. Understanding these common injuries is crucial for both workers and employers to recognise early warning signs and implement preventive measures.
Some of the most frequently reported injuries in the construction sector include:
Back Injuries and Chronic Back Pain
The most common type of manual handling injury in construction, affecting the lower back particularly. These can range from acute strains to chronic conditions that develop over years of improper lifting techniques.
Shoulder and Neck Strains
Often resulting from overhead work or carrying materials on shoulders, these injuries can severely limit mobility and working capacity.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Continuous repetitive movements, especially in awkward positions, can lead to lasting damage to muscles and tendons.
Muscle Tears and Sprains
Sudden overexertion or improper lifting techniques can cause immediate and painful muscle injuries.
Joint Problems
Regular heavy lifting can lead to long-term joint deterioration, particularly in knees and hips.
High-Risk Construction Activities
The construction industry presents numerous scenarios where workers must handle heavy or awkward loads, often in challenging environments. Identifying these high-risk activities helps in developing targeted safety strategies and ensuring appropriate precautions are taken.
The following activities require particular attention and careful risk assessment:
Lifting Heavy Construction Materials
The handling of bricks, blocks, and timber presents significant risks, especially when proper lifting techniques aren't used.
Carrying Awkward Loads
Construction materials often come in shapes and sizes that make them difficult to grip and balance properly.
Repetitive Movements
Tasks like laying bricks or carrying materials up ladders can put repeated strain on the same muscle groups.
Working in Confined Spaces
Limited space can force workers into awkward positions while handling materials.
Moving Equipment and Tools
Heavy power tools and construction equipment require careful handling to prevent injury.
The Business Impact
In 2021/22, the economic cost of workplace injury and ill health in the construction sector was estimated at £1.3 billion for the year. Around 2.6 million working days are lost each year due to workplace injury (20%) and work-related illness (80%), equating to approximately 1.3 working days lost per worker.
Other key ways manual handling injuries affect construction businesses include:
Reduced Productivity
Even minor strains can significantly slow down work rates and affect project timelines.
Higher Insurance Costs
A history of manual handling incidents can lead to increased insurance premiums for construction companies.
Worker Compensation Claims
Serious injuries can result in costly compensation claims and legal proceedings.
Staff Turnover and Retraining Expenses
Injured workers may need to be replaced temporarily or permanently, leading to additional recruitment and training costs.
Prevention Through Training
With manual handling accounting for approximately 21% of all workplace injuries, effective training is essential. A comprehensive training program, such as the Roofbase Manual Handling Awareness course, provides workers with essential knowledge and practical skills to handle materials safely and efficiently.
The following key elements are covered in our training programme:
Lifting Techniques
Learning correct posture and movement patterns for different types of loads and situations.
Risk Assessment Methods
Understanding how to evaluate potential hazards before attempting manual handling tasks.
HSE Legislation
Coverage of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and current HSE guidance.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Understanding how incorrect manual handling techniques can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, and how correct lifting, carrying, and handling methods can prevent these injuries.
Benefits of Training
Investing in quality manual handling training delivers multiple advantages for both employers and employees. The returns on this investment extend far beyond basic safety compliance, creating a more efficient and sustainable work environment.
Here are the key benefits of implementing manual handling training:
Reduces Injury Risks
Proper training significantly decreases the likelihood of both immediate and long-term injuries.
Improves Worker Confidence
Workers who understand correct techniques feel more confident in their daily tasks.
Helps Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Training helps businesses meet their legal obligations for worker safety.
Increases Workplace Efficiency
Well-trained workers complete tasks more efficiently and safely.
Reduces Absence Due to Injury
Fewer injuries mean less time lost to recovery and rehabilitation.
Protects Long-term Health
Proper training helps prevent the cumulative damage that can lead to chronic conditions.
Taking Action
Manual handling injuries are preventable with proper training and awareness. The Roofbase Manual Handling Awareness course equips workers with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and others while handling materials safely in construction environments.
By investing in comprehensive manual handling training, employers demonstrate their commitment to worker safety while protecting their business from the significant costs associated with workplace injuries.
Roofbase Online Training and Virtual Courses
You can see full details of our online training and virtual courses here or email Lesley Hughes, Roofbase Training Manager, for more information.
Tagged as: Manual Handling, Online Training Courses
Share this post: