22 Aug 2023

HSE site inspections to focus on moving and handling materials

Starting in September, HSE site inspections will be focusing on the safe moving and handling of materials to ensure occurrences of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders from incorrect practices are reduced.

Starting in early September, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be undertaking construction site inspections, focusing on moving and handling construction materials. The inspections will be checking that employers and workers know the risks, plan their work and are using sensible control measures to protect workers from injuries and aches, as well as pain and discomfort in joints, muscles and bones known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These injuries can have a serious impact on workers' ability to perform tasks, their quality of life, and in some cases, their ability to stay in work and earn a living. This latest health inspection initiative is supported by the 'Work Right Construction: Your Health Your Future' campaign to improve the long-term health of those working in construction.