EU Safety Week – Lighten the Load
9th October
In 2006 the Health and Safety Authority received more than 2,650 reports of injuries where the injury was caused by manual handling. This represents approximately one-third of all serious workplace injuries.
Across the European Union Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related health issue, affecting millions of workers. Some 25% of workers complain of backache and 23% report muscular pains. 35% of workers carry or move loads and 46% report working in painful or tiring positions.
This year European Safety Week, starting on the 22nd October, will focus on MSDs. The campaign, initiated by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, will raise awareness of MSDs and encourage employers and employees to work in partnership to reduce the risk of injury.
Addressing the risk of MSDs in the workplace is a legal requirement. It also makes business sense.
To highlight the dangers of MSDs and the importance of manual handling risk assessment, the Health and Safety Authority has developed some instructional animations, available on the HSA website.
The Authority will be running regional seminars in association with the Irish Ergonomic Association during October and November:
- 18th October, Limerick, Clarion Hotel 9am – 12pm
- 1st November, Galway, Marriott Hotel and Spa 9am – 12pm
- 15th November, Dublin, City West Hotel, 9am – 12pm
The Health and Safety Authority Regional Advisory Committee in the South East and South will hold seminars on:
- 16th October, Granville Hotel, Waterford
- 23rd October, Clonakilty, Fernhill House Hotel
- 25th October, Killarney, Gleneagle Hotel, Conference Centre.
During European Safety Week the Authority will have a range of public awareness activities including a nationwide radio campaign. So why not take the time during October to assess manual handling in your workplace and take steps to eliminate and reduce the risk of injury.
Ends.
For further information please contact: Mark Ryan – 01-6147068 / 086 803 6141