Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Construction
Welcome to the latest edition of Construction Infonet.
Construction Infonet is a free e-Bulletin from the Health and Safety Executive to provide a regular update on health and safety issues for all in the construction industry.
HSE has issued a safety alert to users of excavators fitted with quick hitch devices. There have been a number of serious incidents in the construction industry, including four fatalities, since December 2006. This alert outlines the precautions which need to be taken with these devices. The initial enforcement expectations for HSE inspectors will be to take robust enforcement action where quick hitches are found to be in use without adequate precautions.
Manual handling is a key health issue that HSE and industry are addressing. The handling of heavy blocks can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (more commonly known as aches, strains and sprains) where the damage can be gradual and progressive over a substantial period of time.
This event aims to look at the handling issues concerning heavy blocks from different perspectives. Talks will be given by an HSE inspector, a designer, a contractor the Concrete Blocks Association and the Builders Merchants Federation.
The main emphasis is on discussion and debate focussing on:
Limited places ‘first come first served’ – book now to reserve your place
HSE is continuing its partnership with EEF – The Manufacturers’ organisation, to hold three vibration surgery events. The surgeries are for anyone using machinery or hand-held vibrating tools or other vibrating equipment who would like to learn more and share their experiences in managing vibration risks.
Read details of some recent HSE prosecutions in the construction sector and find sources of relevant advice.
In 2005/06 a total of 46 workers died and a further 3351 employees suffered major injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. Preventable deaths and injuries still occur and it is vital that such tragic incidents are used a reminder to review existing arrangements and precautions.
HSE’s Falls from Height webpages contain practical information on work including;
We've started to redesign the HSE website - your views are appreciated.
Please take a look and complete our short 5 minute survey - it is anonymous. This survey will run until we reach our quota. Access problems - email us at news@hse.gsi.gov.uk
A compilation of HSE’s myth of the month cartoons. The calendar highlights how ridiculous most of the so-called ‘elf ‘n safety’ tabloid tales are.
Thank you for all your support this year in spreading the word about Construction Infonet. Since becoming a national e-Bulletin service the number of subscribers has risen dramatically to nearly 25,000 members.
Seasons Greetings and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!
Infoline - Health and safety information and advice: Call 0845 345 0055 or visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/index.htm
Report an accident: Call 0845 300 9923 or visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/index.htm
We issue E-bulletins on a regular basis and would welcome your feedback and views as well as any suggestions/contributions for future articles.
Thank you to those who provided feedback on the previous editions - we have tried to incorporate as many of the suggestions as possible. You can contact us at: construction-manager@bulletins.hse.gov.uk