Preventing musculoskeletal disorders

The latest figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that almost half a million workers in the UK have reported suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Those working in timber engineering factories can be at high risk of musculoskeletal injuries that are linked to the manual handling of heavy building products such as trussed rafters. This is why wherever possible mechanical handling equipment such as cranes or trollies should be provided for the lifting and movement of such products.

MSDs can lead to significant pain and limited mobility, further highlighting the importance for businesses to continue prioritising musculoskeletal health in the workplace.

Manage the risk of MSD

Employers are legally required under the  Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) to protect their workers from MSDs. Here are some ways for employers to prioritise musculoskeletal health in the workplace:

Risk Assessment

• follow the hierarchy of measures defined in  MHOR
• avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable;
• assess any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided; and
• reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable.

Support Tools

Use the HSE MAC Tool to identify and manage the most significant risks of MSD within the business.

• Training:
  Ensure all employees are trained about the risks and symptoms associated with MSD. Training should cover proper lifting techniques, workstation ergonomics (where possible), and the importance of reporting any pain or discomfort early

• Safe Work Practices:
  Foster a culture of safety and safe work practices by frequently reassessing safety procedures, providing appropriate equipment for handling heavy loads, and encouraging regular breaks to reduce fatigue

• Psychological Wellbeing:
  Stress and mental health can worsen MSD symptoms. Employers can promote a supportive work environment, offer stress management resources, and encourage healthy work-life balance
• Supporting Existing Conditions:
  Employers can make reasonable adjustments to accommodate employees with pre-existing MSD – this may include making adaptations to the tools and equipment that is used, changing the work environment, or offering reasonable rest breaks

Specifying risk management strategies

Prevention is always the key to avoiding MSD, however, managing the risk of MSD is equally as important. The TRA has listed several ways employers can manage the risk of MSD:

• Wherever possible mechanical handling equipment such as cranes, forklifts or trollies should be provided for the lifting and movement of trussed rafters and must always be used for those weighing over 75 kg.
• Manual lifters should not exceed their lifting capacity use proper lifting techniques with your legs, not your back, and keep the load close to your body. According to HSE recommendations, the maximum is 25 kg per person
• Ensuring the area where trussed rafters are handled is clear of any objects. This is important as team members may need to move around or across the area while carrying the trusses
• Minimise general noise levels where possible, to ensure team members can communicate with each other easily and allow coordination when handling the trussed rafters
• Office-based employees such as truss and floor designers should have their workstations assessed and where necessary have reasonable adjustments made. This may include appropriate chairs, desks, screen positions, adjustable lighting, and designated rest periods. Similar considerations should be given to those employees who have home based workstations.

Helping our Customers manage MSD Risk

The safe unloading of trussed rafters is the responsibility of the customer.  TRA and its members would always advocate that  mechanical handling equipment such as a forklift, telehandler or crane is required to unload and move trussed rafters within a construction site.

The current guidance document from TRA states:

“Always use a crane or other mechanical handling device for lifting trusses, unless this is not reasonably practicable. Trusses over 75 kgs should not be handled by manual means alone. Some form of mechanisation or mechanical assistance should also be used.”

It is important that we should not just provide this guidance but also to be seen to be making all efforts to ensure our customers are fully aware of the need to use mechanical handling for our products. Some members have introduced specific steps in the delivery process to formally record that customers have received this guidance and are fully aware of the need for mechanical handling.

Offloading of trusses can always be done from ground level regardless of the method used  . This avoids the need for anyone to access the bed of the lorry, thereby eliminating the potential risk of a fall. TRA members use different coloured bandings or restraints to help reduce the risk of the wrong band/rope being cut during delivery.

Understanding musculoskeletal disorders

MSDs are injuries and conditions often caused by repetitive movements and even vibrations from machinery – affecting the bones, joints, and muscles.  According to the NHS, people are living longer with complex musculoskeletal conditions – this means, more years spent in ill health.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and legs

• Numbness or tingling in the affected areas

• Reduced range of motion and difficulty performing tasks

If the symptoms are left untreated, they can lead to long-term complications, and affect an individual’s ability to work, and their overall quality of life – and even forcing the individual to retire early.

The TRA Health and Safety Committee has developed a series of guides covering various aspects of trussed rafter health and safety. These guides include safe handling and storage, specimen risk assessments, and advice on major health and safety issues, laws, and regulations.

Members can also share important information with customers who may need additional health and safety support for loading, haulage, delivery, and erection of trussed rafters on site.

Visit the TRA’s website for more details.