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24 February 2005 - HSE Nationwide Blitz on
Construction Sites
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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have announced a blitz of
construction sites which is due to take place throughout the UK in March 2005.
The nationwide initiative, Healthy Handling 2005 aims at
tackling serious work-related ill-health and will concentrate on poor work
practices within the construction industry causing such injuries as the
following:
The HSE initiative is also aiming at the clients, designers,
planning supervisors and contractors within the industry and Inspectors will be
looking at four main core areas where good health and safety management practice
can make a major difference to the wellbeing of construction workers.
The four main core areas are as follows:
In 2003/04, there were 70 deaths, approximately 4,000 major
injuries and 8,150 injuries causing more than 3-day absences from work within
the construction industry. Estimated ill-health, either caused or
made worse by employment in the construction industry in 2003/04, was 96,000.
Mr. Kevin Myers, Chief Inspector for Construction commented on
the initiative:
“Work related ill health affects a significant number of
construction workers and the sector has one of the highest rates of
musculoskeletal disorder in industry. Back problems, cement dermatitis,
vibration white finger and deafness can ruin people’s lives and force them out
of their chosen profession.
“We have produced guidance outlining simple and sensible
precautions to help clients, designers, planning supervisors and contractors
take account of these hazards well before work starts on site. Experience shows
that effective management of exposure to these risks can reduce or prevent
injury and ill-health to workers.
Further detailed information is available from the Healthy
Handling Helpline on 01582 444248
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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