Recommendations for the safe ingress of plasterboard

In order to reduce the health risks to construction workers from lifting, moving and handling large amounts of plasterboard, manual handling should be kept to a minimum and if it is carried out, then as safely as possible. The journey of plasterboard from factory to site involves many people, all of whom need to be able to work with a reduced risk of injury. The risk is predominantly due to the weight and unwieldy nature of the plasterboard. Any manual handling needs to be minimised by good planning and using equipment. There needs to be good training and implementation of those practices. Most importantly, everyone needs to have the right attitude and behaviour so that no one in the industry is exposed to short or long-term risks that will affect their musculoskeletal health and ability to do their everyday activities, now or in the future.

The aim of this guide is to improve health and safety when plasterboard is delivered, moved and stored. Each stage should be planned, communicated and acted on to reduce the risk of injury and ensure a safe working conditions for everyone on site and also that the requirements of The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) are met.