The most common effects of manual handling incidents occurring in the construction industry are sudden injuries such as cuts and breakage, along with growing pain in the lower back. Perhaps, damage to the musculoskeletal system (MSD) could occur over time and MSD is one of the main reasons why construction contractors take sick days off work.
Three of the main causes of injuries occurring on-site are:
- Not identifying the risks which could result in accidents or long-term damage.
- Still doing their job even if someone is aware it’s unsafe.
- Not being bothered to follow safety rules and regulations.
These causes and the accidents which occur as a result can all be prevented with a suitable, supportive safety officer. Construction contractors are more likely to feel confident asking them a question, or even warn them if they notice someone else is behaving unsafely. Safety managers must also be able to recognize unsafe behavior themselves, perhaps a worker is seen lifting a heavy object without the help of another or the necessary machinery required.
It is also vital that safety managers know what not to do. Providing training that encourages workers to behave safely and follow all the necessary regulations is unlikely to make an impact if someone sees a safety manager strolling around on-site without the personal protective equipment (PPE) that they have been instructed to wear.
A safety-conscious job site produces more efficient workers, less errors on the job and an overall better workplace culture. Alternatively, unsafe work environments will lead your team to think that you don’t value their health and well-being. They’ll work slower and less efficiently. And naturally, more accidents will occur.Â
More details on manual handling in the construction industry are given, concentrating on:
- What should always be done as a reliable safety manager.
- What should never be done for the protection of construction contractors.