Leading accrediting body warns of high HSE conviction rates and ever-bigger fines facing those in construction sector   CFTS — the UK accrediting body for Thorough Examinations (LOLER and PUWER) — is warning those in the construction sector that they face record fines should they be convicted following a prosecution brought by HSE.    “The most recent statistics make sobering reading,” says Geoff Martin, Chairman of CFTS. “Construction is an exceptionally hazardous industry with a non-fatal injury rate of 59,000 per year – that’s 76% higher than the all-industry average. Even more disturbing is the fact that if you work in construction, the chances of you dying are four times the all-industry average. “In addition to the human cost, employers also face increasingly severe financial penalties and an exceptionally high probability of conviction.” As has been well-publicised, courts are now adopting a very robust approach towards offenders. Since the introduction of the Health and Safety Guidelines in 2016 the average fine has more than doubled, with judges handing out punishments intended to have a significant economic impact on the businesses concerned. Looking at the most recent figures, the average fine has increased from £107,000 in 2019/2020 to £145,000 in 2020/2021 — an increase of 35%. What’s more, 7 of the cases sentenced in 2020/2021 resulted in a fine of £1 million or more.  ** “The chances of being found guilty have also increased,” continues Geoff Martin. “Recently released statistics reveal that if a case is brought by HSE, then the probability of conviction is significantly greater than for other criminal cases with 94% of those prosecuted being found guilty… compared with 83.6% for general convictions. “As a result, we are urging all employers in construction to review their health and safety procedures – and that starts with ensuring equipment is regularly inspected to certify it is safe and fit for purpose,” emphasises Mr Martin.  “It makes complete financial sense, not just because of the risk of prosecution but because of the importance of protecting your investment in expensive plant.   “That means carrying out routine pre-use checks and underpinning those with Thorough Examinations that cover both the lifting components (as required under LOLER regulations) but also the brakes, steering and other safety-related parts (covered by PUWER).  “The incentives for employers to ensure they are fully compliant when it comes to safety have never been greater, with conviction a near certainty if an accident results in a prosecution.  “CFTS can offer advice on what should be covered in a Thorough Examination to comply with HSE requirements and the intervals when it should be carried out.”  For more information visit www.thoroughexamination.org  * Health and Safety Executive Annual Report and Accounts 2022/23 ** https://dwfgroup.com/en/news-and-insights/insights/2022/1/hse-statistics-and-falling-prosecutions  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Moving and handling heavy or bulky objects on construction sites is needlessly harming the health of tens of thousands of workers every year. Working in construction is a physically demanding job and many construction workers’ health is suffering due to pain in muscles, bones, joints and nerves that affect every aspect of their lives and in many cases their ability to work and earn a living. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning construction workers that the long-term impact on their health can leave them struggling to stand, walk, or sit down. From 4 September 2023, HSE inspectors will be carrying out  inspections of construction sites, focusing on the health risks of moving and handling materials on site. Supporting the inspections initiative is HSE’s communications campaign ‘Work Right Construction. Your health. Your future’ (LINK), to raise awareness of the risks when moving and handling materials on site and provide advice for employers and workers. Inspections in 2022 found widespread methods that can protect workers such as the use of mechanical equipment to handle large glazing panes, using small inexpensive air bags to help to position heavy doors when being installed, and the use of all-terrain pallet trucks to move blocks and brick-lifters to carry bricks around site. However, inspectors also found many examples of poor practice, some of which resulted in enforcement action, such as a worker lifting an 80kg kerb on his own without any assistance from machinery, lifting aids or colleagues, and a 110kg floor saw that had to be moved into and out of a work van by two operatives at a street works site. The law requires employers to  control the risks of ill health of their workers, which includes pain in muscles, bones, joints and nerves that can develop over time, known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, in the most recent period an estimated 42,000 people in the construction industry suffered from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder, which can cause years of agonising aches and pains. This amounts to 53% of all ill health in the construction sector. If moving and lifting is managed properly, a physical job on a building site should not disrupt every part of workers’ lives. Before work starts, moving and handling risks should be considered and prevented where possible at the design stage. Once on site, employers should talk to workers about controlling existing risks and make sure appropriate measures are in place, such as the right training, aids and equipment. Matt Birtles, principal ergonomist at HSE, said: “It is important that the issue of manual handling is not downplayed. Serious aches, pains and strains should not be accepted as routine when working in construction. These can dramatically affect every part of someone’s life – with sufferers struggling to get themselves dressed and undressed, and unable to pick up their children or grandchildren. “The culture of a site may mean many people feel uncomfortable talking about these issues but if your back has gone or if you’re in agony whenever you move your arms, measures need to be put in place to address the causes.” HSE’s Acting Head of Construction Division Mike Thomas said: “MSDs affect the lives of tens of thousands of construction workers and can lead to a lifetime of suffering. However, there are simple measures that can be taken to prevent this. “Everyone involved in construction has a role to play in keeping people safe and healthy. We want everyone in the industry, from designers to contractors and their workers, to be aware of the risks associated with any moving or lifting task and put appropriate measures in place. “The health of workers must be considered when planning construction work so that they can carry out their jobs without fear of injuring themselves or developing aches, pains and strains, including being provided with the correct equipment to lift and move materials safely.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals