HSE URGES WELDERS TO CONSIDER SAFETY WHEN BUYING NEW KIT

HSE press release E220:03 - 11 November 2003

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging welders to look for safely designed products that reduce the risk of strains and sprains when buying or hiring welding sets. Studies show that welders are twice as likely to show signs of lower back and neck disorders than office clerks. Advice on how to make the right choice of welding kit is provided in "Choosing a welding set? Make sure you can handle it" a new HSE leaflet launched today at the Weldex Exhibition, NEC Birmingham.

Welders are particularly prone to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which may result in them having to leave the industry. A two year study found that 51% of welders suffered at least one period of sickness absence resulting from MSDs, which accounted for 44% of all lost work days. Welding often requires work in fixed, awkward postures, which can cause MSDs. Handling heavy and awkward equipment is also a trigger.

Research carried out by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) noted that designers of some equipment had made no attempt to facilitate handling of their equipment, whereas other manufacturers of very similar equipment had considered safer handling.

HSE Inspector Dr Sarah Haynes said: "Approximately 40,000 welding sets are sold annually in the UK. As a large number of sets are imported, we decided to try to influence purchasers of the equipment rather than designers. We hope that by providing industry with information about what the risks are and what to look for in welding sets we can help to reduce the number of strains and sprains in this industry."

Where sets have to be handled, users are advised to look for comfortable, well-positioned handles and consider the effect that protruding controls and vents will have on ease of carrying. When selecting larger sets, consider those that can be comfortably pushed or pulled over uneven surfaces.

The leaflet was produced with the help of the Association of Welding Distributors, the Hire Association Europe and The Welding Manufacturer's Association. The Association of Welding Distributors is distributing the leaflet on its stand at Weldex. The Association of Welding Distributors and the Hire Association Europe are also sending copies direct to their members.

Derek Ford, Safety Services Manager of the Hire Association Europe said: "The Hire Association Europe is continually working to improve the health, safety, and well-being of everyone at work. This is why we are pleased to be associated with the Health and Safety Executive in promoting this, and other schemes."

Copies of Choosing a welding set? Make sure you can handle it indg390, are available free from HSE Books http://books.hse.gov.uk

Notes to editors

1. The Government and Health and Safety Commission (HSC) launched "Revitalising Health and Safety" in June 2000. This leaflet has been issued in support of the commitment to reduce all industrial MSD injuries by 12% by 2004.

2. Weldex Exhibition is running from 11 to 14 November 2003 at NEC Birmingham. Weldex is the largest international exhibition for welding, joining, cutting and fabrication. It is held in the UK every four years.

3. The Association of Welding Distributors represent 80% of the turnover of the welding consumables market, representing 157 companies. They are co-sponsors of Weldex.

4. Research into comparison of rates of injury of welders compared with office workers is Torner, M., Zetterberg, C., Anden, U., Hansson, T. and Lindell, V. (1991) Workload and musculoskeletal problems: A comparison between welders and office clerks (with reference also to fishermen). Ergonomics, 34(9), 1179-1196.

5. The two-year study of Welder's injuries is Burdorf, A., Naatkgeboren, B. and Post, W. (1998) Prognostic Factors for Musculoskeletal Sickness Absences and Return to Work Among Welders and Metal Workers. Occupational Environmental Medicine (55) 490-495.

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