HSE information sheet
Handling kerbs: Reducing the risks of
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
Construction Information Sheet No 57
Introduction Controlling the risk
This information sheet explains how to manage the When tackling the risk, the best solutions will be those
risks associated with the repetitive manual handling of which address all three main hazards: the weight of the
kerbs and associated products. The guidance is kerb; the repetitive nature of the operation; and poor
relevant to the whole supply chain involved in the use posture during the work.
of kerbs including clients, designers, manufacturers,
suppliers and contractors. To help find the best solution, we suggest you use the
following 鈥榟ierarchy of control measures鈥?. You should try
to adopt the solutions nearest the top of the hierarchy
Background
first, as these will give the best level of risk control.
Traditionally, kerbs (in one form or another) have been
specified on the majority of roads. The standard The hierarchy of control measures
components used are principally precast concrete and
weigh approximately 67 kg. Feature kerbs, stone kerbs Elimination
or other associated products may be considerably
heavier. More recently a number of manufacturers have Eliminate manual lifting of kerbs at the design stage,
developed lighter kerbs. (eg use alternative construction methods that do not
involve manual handling or eliminate the need for
The main hazards associated with the manual handling the kerb).
of kerbs are the weight of the kerb, the repetitive nature
of the work and poor posture during the work. These Total mechanisation
hazards create excessive stress and strain on the body, Ensure kerbs are always handled and laid mechanically
which can cause damage to muscles and tendons, and (eg using vacuum devices/mechanical grabs etc). This
in the longer term may lead progressively to more is the preferred solution for new build, refurbishment
serious injury. These injuries are commonly referred to works and work involving the use of large, special
as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). purpose kerbs.
MSDs account for a significant proportion of accidents Partial mechanisation
and injuries in construction. They are a main reason for Ensure that the maximum amount of the kerb handling
people having to leave the construction industry. process is undertaken mechanically (eg using
mechanical solutions to get the kerb near its final
position, off-loading using a hoist etc). Using
What the law requires
smaller/lighter kerbs or handling aids will further reduce
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as the risks from any residual manual handling.
amended 2004)1 apply to all construction work. They
set out a framework for employers to tackle the risks Manual handling
from manual handling. Under these regulations, if
employers cannot avoid manual handling where there In rare cases where it is not possible to use any of the
is a risk of injury, they must assess their manual above solutions, short stretches of kerb may be laid
handling operations and take steps to reduce the risk of manually. Where this is necessary workers should be
injury to the lowest level reasonably practicable. trained in good handling techniques. The use of lighter-
weight kerbs, or devices which allow two people to
Kerb laying by hand involves a serious risk of injury to share the lift, will further reduce the risk of injury.
those who are doing the work and therefore employers
need to take action to control this risk. Precautions
All of those involved in the specification, manufacture,
supply and installation of road edge details can help to
reduce the risks from manual handling.
1
Designers, planning supervisors and clients Mechanical kerb handling solutions
Those involved in design and planning should consider: Vacuum lifters
solutions that eliminate the need for repetitive A number of manufacturers produce equipment to
q
manual handling; handle kerbs using vacuum technology. The machines
specifying kerb units that are compatible with can be fitted with a number of interchangeable heads
q
mechanical handling solutions; to allow different products to be handled.
appropriate use of alternative lightweight kerb
q
products;
the risks during the lifetime of the kerb, including
q
repair and maintenance issues;
maximising the number of kerbs to be laid at one
q
time to realise economies of scale and promote
the practicability of mechanical handling.
Manufacturers and suppliers
Kerb manufacturers should seek to minimise the risks
associated with their product range throughout the
supply chain, including;
supplying kerbs in a format compatible with
q
commonly used mechanical handling equipment;
providing information to the user including clearly
q
marking pack weights and component weights;
ensuring, where possible, pack sizes are below
q
1 tonne to allow handling by a wide range of
commonly used site equipment.
Contractors
Contractors should plan and assess the work to ensure
risk is kept to an acceptable level. This may involve:
economies of scale through re-phasing of the
q
work to maximise the efficiency of the kerb laying
operation; Figure 1 Handling kerbs using a vacuum lifter
safe storage and secure transport of kerbs;
q
laying direct from the pack rather than double Self-contained
q
handling by stringing out ahead of final laying;
use of machinery capable of handling both packs These devices can be either fitted on the forks of
q
and individual kerbs; standard construction machines or mounted on trailers
mechanical solutions for handling non-standard which allow the kerbs to be laid straight from the pack
q
kerb details such as feature kerbs, transition without the need to 鈥榮tring out鈥?. A vacuum provides both
kerbs, drop kerbs, quadrants and radius kerbs; the attachment to the kerb and the lifting force.
training of workers in the safe use of mechanical
q
lifting equipment; Fork mounted
use of alternative lightweight kerb components to
q
reduce residual manual effort; Vacuum lifters can be mounted on standard
providing training in good handling techniques for construction lifting equipment. Kerb laying can be
q
workers involved with kerb laying. undertaken using a single machine, which carries the
pack of kerbs and provides the mechanical lift. The
vacuum lifter can be powered independently or by the
hydraulics of the machine on which it is mounted.
2
Trailer mounted Return to work
Trailer-mounted machines offer a stand-alone handling Employers should consider how to manage workers
solution that can be towed at road speeds between who have suffered manual handling injury, in particular
locations. They may be useful for contractors who lay their return to work. For most lower back injuries,
small numbers of kerbs in multiple locations. staying mobile can assist recovery. With an employer鈥檚
good management, including a 鈥榖ack-to-work鈥? plan, in
most cases the affected person will be able to return to
Independent
work. Good management would include reviewing your
These are self-contained units, which create a vacuum risk assessment and obtaining medical advice. Further
information is available on the HSE Back pain 2 and
to attach to the kerb. They have to be fitted to a lifting
Sickness absence 3 web pages.
device to lift and position the load.
Grabs/clamps Wider applications
A number of devices are available which clamp the The information in this document is relevant for other
kerb, either hydraulically or by friction and self-weight. precast concrete components such as drainage
Grabs have traditionally been used with success to channels, slabs, ducts, copings and hard landscaping
handle packs of kerbs and larger precast components. materials. Many of the solutions used for the
Smaller grabs can be used to handle individual kerbs mechanical handling of kerbs can be used to handle
and avoid manual handling. other products.
References and further reading
References
1 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
SI 1992/2793 The Stationery Office 1992
ISBN 0 11 025920 3, as amended 2004
2 www.hse.gov.uk/msd/backpain/index.htm
3 www.hse.gov.uk/sicknessabsence/index.htm
Further reading
Backs for the future: Safe manual handling in
construction HSG149 HSE Books 2000
ISBN 0 7176 1122 1
Manual handling assessment charts Leaflet INDG383
HSE Books 2003 (single copy free or priced packs of
10 ISBN 0 7176 2741 1)
Manual handling. Manual Handling Operations
Regulations 1992 (as amended). Guidance on
Regulations L23 (Third edition) HSE Books 2004
ISBN 0 7176 2823 X
Getting to grips with manual handling: A short guide
Leaflet INDG143(rev2) HSE Books 2004 (single copy
Figure 2 Vehicle-mounted crane and mechanical grab
free or priced packs of 15 ISBN 0 7176 2828 0)
The grabs can be used with existing construction plant,
such as a backhoe or mini digger, to provide the lifting Are you making the best use of lifting and handling
effort. They can be used to lift the kerbs from the pack aids? Leaflet INDG398 HSE Books 2004 (single copy
and place them directly at the point of lay, minimising free or priced packs of 15 ISBN 0 7176 2900 7)
the manual handling input.
3
Acknowledgements Further information
This publication has been produced with the support HSE produces a wide range of documents. Some are
and assistance of the following organisations: available as printed publications, both priced and free,
and others are only accessible via the HSE website,
Interpave www.hse.gov.uk.
The precast concrete paving and kerb association
www.paving.org.uk HSE priced and free publications are available by mail
order from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk
The Construction Confederation CO10 2WA Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995
www.constructionconfederation.co.uk Website: www.hsebooks.co.uk (HSE priced publications
are also available from bookshops and free leaflets can
The Cilvil Engineering Contractors Association be downloaded from HSE鈥檚 website: www.hse.gov.uk.)
www.ceca.co.uk
For information about health and safety ring HSE鈥檚
Infoline Tel: 08701 545500 Fax: 02920 859260 e-mail:
hseinformationservices@natbrit.com or write to HSE
Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park,
Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
This leaflet contains notes on good practice which are
not compulsory but which you may find helpful in
considering what you need to do.
漏 Crown copyright This publication may be freely
reproduced, except for advertising, endorsement or
commercial purposes. First published 2/05. Please
acknowledge the source as HSE.
Printed and published by the Health and Safety Executive CIS57 2/05 C40
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