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News Release from: Health and Safety Executive | Subject: Manual handling in kerb laying
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 03 March 2005
Reducing manual handling in kerb laying
New guidance "Handling kerbs: Reducing the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)" has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
New guidance "Handling kerbs: Reducing the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)" has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) The information sheet, developed in consultation with the 'Kerbs Forum', gives advice on controlling the risks associated with the manual handling of kerbs, aiming to secure greater compliance with duties under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 13 Jul 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Over the last 18 months HSE has been working through the 'Kerbs Forum' to secure increased use of mechanical handling devices such as vacuum lifters and grabs during kerb laying.
The forum was established by HSE, working with the Construction Confederation.
It has over 80 members, including kerb manufacturers, contractors and local authorities.
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HSE Kerbs Forum - Progress Meeting In London
Kerb manufacturers, contractors and Local Authorities reviewed progress on the HSE initiative to encourage industry to change from traditional methods to systems where the kerb is carried by machine.
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In December 2003 the Kerbs Forum agreed transitional timeframes during which the change from manual to mechanically assisted kerb handling would take place.
For newbuild projects, the industry was given until June 2004 to make the change to mechanically assisted kerb laying.
For spot kerbing or kerb maintenance work, the industry was given until the end of January 2005 to move to mechanically assisted kerb laying.
Traditionally kerbs were laid by hand; the weight of the kerbs, the posture adopted when handling and the repetitive nature of the work create excessive strain on the body.
This may cause damage to muscles and tendons, which in the longer term may lead progressively to more serious injury.
These injuries are commonly referred to as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Mechanical solutions reduce the risks associated with traditional practices.
Richard Boland from the HSE's Construction Sector said: This guidance is the result of working in partnership between ourselves and those involved in the kerb supply chain.
The project has been a success and we are now close to our goal, to make mechanical handling of heavy kerb products the industry norm.' Andy Sneddon from the Construction Confederation said: "Handling kerbs is typical of the difficult issues that our industry must tackle if we are to have an impact on work related ill-health.
Within a goal-setting legislative framework, there will always be a need for credible guidance on what needs to be done; I am pleased to see HSE working in close collaboration with the industry to map out a practical framework for handling kerbs.
This is a useful marriage of the common-sense that can come from industry, self-regulation, and the authority that HSE can bring to any guidance".
Interpave Chairman Mark McColl added: "We have been closely involved with the 'Kerbs Forum' since it was convened and welcomed working in partnership with HSE to develop consistent guidelines on this important issue.
MSDs account for over a third of all injuries in construction and are a major reason for workers leaving the industry.
"Interpave welcomes the new information sheet which provides guidance for a wide range of duty holders on what they can do to promote and facilitate mechanical solutions and gives details on the range of plant and equipment available to control the MSD risks.
We are confident that adherence to the guidelines will ensure that the handling of pre-cast kerbs in construction projects is undertaken in a safe manner." Alan Muddiman, Director Health, Safety and Environmental Services, Mowlem Plc and Chairman - CECA Health and Safety Committee said: "The industry has responded well to this issue and manual handling of kerbs is well on its way to being eliminated, but there are areas of difficulty needing resolution.
The 'Kerbs Forum' and production of the guidance has been a prime example showing how co-operation between all parties concerned can produce real results within a complex issue.".
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