Case Studies

Over 170 construction clients and contractors have recently pledged to improve the health of construction workers by aiming to eradicate occupational ill health and disease. We’ve included here advice from organisations such as the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) on handling plasterboard.
Lifting and handling plasterboard – often in awkward postures – has led drywall operatives to have one of the highest prevalence rates for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the construction industry. We appreciate the impracticality of using mechanical lifting devices on many sites, but would urge you to re-visit ergonomic equipment manufacturers, like Starke Arvid, for up-to-date information about new and improved handling equipment.
Here’s our reminder of how best to handle plasterboard products:
There is a risk of pain or injury from working in awkward positions, performing repetitive tasks, or lifting. Operatives should observe the following to help prevent injury:
The Study Inn site in the heart of historic Cambridge has delivery restrictions that would make the most experienced of site managers wince: four hours restricted access, 7.5 tonne weight restriction, single sided offload only.
Deliveries went smoothly from the start because of the thorough preparation done by SIG Sheffield and our logistics provider, Wincanton. As a result of their Pre-Project Delivery Assessment (PPDA), a bespoke plan was put into place, which included:
• Specialist single-sided 16 tonne moffett hired for the project
• Boards split into one tonne pallets to accommodate a single hoist on site
• 30 minutes notice given by the driver on vehicle arrival
The project – an 345-bedroom student accommodation block – is progressing without any delivery problems. If you’d like to know more about a Pre-Project Delivery Assessment, please contact us at orderline@siniat.co.uk