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Avoiding the most common workplace injuries
Construction work could be unsafe if it involves:
- repeated, sustained or high force
- sustained awkward posture
- repetitive movements
- exposure to sustained vibration
- handling people or animals
- loads that are unstable, unbalanced, or hard to hold.
Hazardous manual handling can lead to injuries such as:
- sprains and strains
- back injuries
- soft-tissue injuries to wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or legs
- hernias
- chronic pain.
These types of injuries can affect your ability to work. Early signs and symptoms can progress into conditions which have long-term effects, and in some cases can be career-ending. In the past five years, SafeWork Australia has accepted more than 23,340 injury claims made by construction workers for these injuries. Around 54% of those workers needed one or more weeks off work.*
Manual handling – contributing factors
Typical risk factors that can increase the risk of injury include:
- Working in a fixed posture for a prolonged period of time
- Handling awkward / heavy objects over uneven ground
- Trying to lift long objects without a form of assistance
- Not wearing personal protective equipment when handling objects – deep lacerations
- Incorrect placement of hands when handling an object – serious crushing injuries.
Reducing or eliminating the risks
- Stop & Think (risk assessment)
- Grip the load firmly, never bend, twist and lift
- Keep the load close to the body
- Push don’t pull
- Avoid reaching
- Wear appropriate PPE (e.g. – gloves and safety equipment) where required
- Use mechanical aids or team lifts whenever possible
- Training / Instruction / Supervision – provide adequate explanation, guidance, and direction; always follow safe work practices
*Source SafeWork Australia Construction Industry Profile
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