New Push on Manual Handling - A HSE Initiative (June 2005)

HSE National ‘Back’ Safety Campaign

According to statistics from the Health and Safety Executive, UK workers continue to suffer from back and musculoskeletal problems.

The HSE is running a major national initiative this summer focussed on reducing the incidence of back pain at work. Planned to run over a 4-week period in June/July 2005 the HSE’s campaign will involve a nationally co-ordinated publicity, education and inspection programme.

Between 60-80% of adults, at some time, suffer from back and musculoskeletal related problems.

At any time back related problems account for 20% of all injuries, and sufferer’s take on average 19 days-off per annum.

HSE to Visit Companies

HSE Inspectors and Local Authority Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) will be gathering detailed information on MSDs and incidence of back pain in the workplace, from employers and employees.

HSE Inspectors and EHOs will complete a two part form (leaving the second part with the employer) and collect information on some of the following:

No. of accidents
No. of back/MSD related sickness
No. of days lost to back/MSD injury
12 month costs for back/MSD injury
RIDDOR reporting activity and success
Proactive steps to manage MSD health risks
Assess at least two high risk tasks

If you do not have information on the above now is the time to consider where your weaknesses are and what plans you intend to implement to meet these deficiencies. You should follow some of these principles to begin managing back and MSD related issues.

Avoid manual handling tasks where possible e.g. by conducting risk assessments, automation, and use of tools or lifting aids.
Begin to prioritise tasks/activities for injury avoidance management
Implement ergonomic design to avoid awkward lifting (reduce weights, provide good holds, avoid bending/twisting/stretching/reaching)
Provide training in correct lifting & handling techniques and use of lifting/handling tools
Conduct advanced ergonomic assessments and follow ergonomic principles if you have implemented the above.