Risk assessments for scaffolders
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Re: Risk assessments for scaffolders
As you will be aware, manual handling should be avoided if possible; however, it is obviously not possible in this case, and therefore a risk assessment is necessary.
If your risk assessment determines that it is reasonable for one person to handle a single scaffold pole (the HSE provides guidance on appropriate weights and heights to be lifted, etc) you should now consider this person's physical fitness to carry out the work safely.
The next step is to be seen to be taking reasonable care - this can be done by introducing, for example, the assistance of a second person. If this is not practical given the circumstances, you should consider a medical referral as the employee has now reported or it has been observed that he is now less fit for the task than he would normally be.
Anonymous | 15:48 07.09.2007| Report this answer as unsuitable
Risk assessments for scaffolders
Added: 15:46 07.09.2007
I need to put together a risk assessment for a scaffolder who routinely carries 1,500mm-long scaffold poles weighing from about 33kg to 40kg on his left shoulder to and from the delivery lorry.
He has been a scaffolder for 15 years and has had a number of relatively minor musculoskeletal injuries, but has recently experienced a severe back injury.
It occurred while he was leaning forward to lower the poles on to the ground to lean them vertically against the side of the lorry. He intended to lift them onto the lorry one at a time.
Can anyone help?
Anon | Post a reply | Report this question as unsuitable