Protect your workers from MSDs | COSHH essentials | Latest enforcement news

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Protect your workers from musculoskeletal disorders

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Employers must protect workers from the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) being caused or made worse by work.

MSDs include injuries and conditions that can affect the back, joints and limbs. Figures show that in 2021/22, 477,000workers in Great Britain suffered from a work-related MSD.

Our MSD website has information and advice on a range of related topics including:

HSE also offers training courses designed to equip employers and worker representatives with the knowledge to help recognise, assess and reduce MSD risks in their organisations.

An upcoming course, Manual Handling for Assessors, is being held live online 26-27 June. It includes aNEBOSH HSE Certificate in Manual Handling Risk Assessment.


Construction company is fined after child dies in manhole fall

A civil engineering contractor has been fined 800,000 for safety breaches, following an incident where a 10-year-old boy died after falling down a manhole on a building site.

The boy was playing with his friends and was able to access the construction site. Whilst on site he was able to enter a manhole, in which he fell and died from his injuries.

HSE's and Police Scotland's investigation found that insufficient measures had been taken to prevent children gaining access to the construction site.

Read this press releasefor more details on the incident.

View HSE's guidance on public protection in the construction industry.

Other recent prosecution cases include:


Make sure you know your COSHH essentials

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A variety of harmful substances are found in our working environments knowing how to control these safely is key to safety and protection from harm.

If you work with hazardous substances, our Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) website can help you understand the actions you should take to stay healthy.

Download our publication Working with substances hazardous to health: A brief guide to COSHH, which explains how to control exposure and comply with the Regulations.

Our COSHH Safe Handling Chemicals posteralso provides crucial guidance on how to handle chemicals safely in your workplace, including Dos and Donts and a useful hazardous signs check.


HSE's podcast series discusses disability in the workplace

The latest episode of the HSE podcast looks at how businesses can create an inclusive approach to workplace health.

Last year HSE published new principles and guidance to support disabled workers and workers with long-term health conditions to remain in work.

This is part ofHealth is Everyones Business (HiEB),the governments commitment to better support the lives of disabled people.

In the latest episode of the HSE podcast, the simple principles and practical examples are discussed byMoya Woolley (Occupational Health Policy Team Leader at HSE) and Rebecca Hyrslova (Policy Advisor at Federation of Small Businesses).

Listen to theDisability in the Workplace podcast


Latest job vacancies

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Come and workfor HSE and help to protect lives and livelihoods.

We currently have a range of vacancies.For details of selected posts, follow the links below:

You can get all the latest news and updates from HSE across a range of industries and topics.

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