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Almost two thirds of back injuries in the construction industry are caused by manual handling. The HSE recommend that injury may result from carrying loads heavier than 25kg. A common cause of back injury is twisting caused by handling panelled products such as plasterboard.
This message shows the correct way of handling panel products. Care should be taken at all times to avoid strain to the handlers. Boards should not be lifted at the short edges or carried horizontally. Boards should be carried on their edges, two persons per board, supporting them on the long edge. In all cases it is necessary to ensure handling equipment is of adequate capacity and that the operatives are advised of handling procedures and safety clothing.
Lifting aids such as panel trolleys (which should be pushed not pulled), board clamps, or wheeled ‘bogies’ help reduce handling where other mechanical means cannot be used. Boards can be offered up for fixing using a mechanical panel lifter.
An alternative way to avoid injury is to reduce the board width which decreases the weight and the narrower profile reduces the stretching, stooping and twisting, and allows the weight to be carried closer to the body.
Further information:
Gypsum Products Development Association (www.gpda.com)
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