Spec Finish

Health & Safety www.thefis.org 13 Laura Tapply, Communications Manager for the UK & Nordics at SPIT, a ITWConstruction Products Brand Construction sites are home to many potentially hazardous activities, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 2.2 million days of work are lost to work related-illness and injury every year. Dust and hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) are among the most prevalent. Yet, explains Laura Tapply, Communications Manager at SPIT, both can be avoided through careful management, implementation of appropriate accident prevention measures and careful tool selection. H AVS is a condition caused by exposure of the hands and arms to vibration when using handheld power tools and machinery. Vibrations can disrupt blood flow, causing tissue and nerve damage, as well as specific diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Statistics from the HSE suggest that more than half of time lost to work-related issues arise from musculoskeletal, work-related disorders – making the reduction of HAV a top priority for the whole industry. HAVS is preventable, but once the damage is done, the effects are permanent. As with many ailments, prevention is better than cure. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set out to eliminate any new incidences of disability from hand-arm vibration and to stop employees developing advanced stages of these diseases. The regulations offer a number of simple, common-sense measures; many of which focus on the need to ensure that the equipment selected is appropriate for the job. • Efficient and fit for purpose: Using tools that aren’t a good fit for the job can mean that it takes longer and exposure to vibration is increased. • A low vibration tool: Look for a tool that puts safety first – select the lowest vibration tool and limit the use of high vibration tools wherever possible. • Weight and ergonomics: Look for equipment that has been designed to minimise loads on employees’ hands, wrists and arms and that has been designed to reduce the need to grip heavy tools tightly. • Educate the workforce: While tool users, site managers, and H&S managers are likely to be aware of the risk, it is important that purchasing teams know what to look for when investing in new machinery. When selecting a supplier, find out about the equipment’s vibration reduction features and how to use and maintain the equipment to make these features effective. Dust: Small particles, big issue Tiny dust particles are a big issue for the construction industry. Statistics suggest that there are around 13,000 deaths each year from occupational lung disease and cancer, and that over 40% of new cancer registrations/deaths are to construction workers. Although new drywall sheets and compounds are made from less hazardous materials now, the risks are heightened when working with older materials. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) cover activities that may expose workers to construction dust. While correct use of PPE, avoidance of silica free-abrasives, limiting exposure and improving ventilation all feature in the guidelines, tool selection is one of the key areas highlighted. The COSHH guidelines specifically recommend the use of direct fastening systems – a technology which uses a power actuated tool to drive a hardened nail or stud into steel, concrete, or masonry. As well as being faster than using a drill, the amount of dust created is significantly reduced, making themethod far safer than traditional methods. Why tool selection counts The construction industry has been facing an increasing labour crisis over the past decade. With time and productivity continuing to be lost to work-related health issues, there’s a financial, ethical and legislative reason to focus on ensuring that health and safety is improved. When it comes to HAVS and dust, relatively simple methods prevail – with the primary one being to select the tool that offers maximum protection. As well as tools that offer reduced HAV and dust exposure, employers, contractors and procurement teams would do well to consider criteria such as stick rate, battery technology and capacity, weight and speed. Visit www.itwcp.co.uk/ to find out more about how the Pulsa range of direct fixing systems can help contractors to meet health and safety legislation while working faster, reducing reworks and increasing efficiency. IMPROVING HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: WHYTOOL SELECTION COUNTS Ensure that equipment selected is appropriate for the job