Tyre Industry Organisations Working with HSE to Reduce Injuries

Musculoskeletal disorders, which often arise from poor manual handling practice, are the most common cause of occupational ill health in Britain and currently affect a million people a year – and they are said to cost the nation some £5.7 billion. The need to increase awareness of such risks amongst tyre industry employees has prompted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to team up with the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) and the British Tyre Manufacturers Association (BTMA). It is hoped this three-way cooperation can inform workers of potential dangers and reduce the number of injuries caused each year.

“Moving and fitting tyres involves a lot of manual handling,” commented the HSE’s Terry Aston, who is chair of the Rubber Industry Advisory Committee. “Back and other muscular injuries are common. The cost to employers is considerable, as is the pain and hardship that can be endured by workers. We are pleased to be able to work with the industry to have the opportunity to promote best practice and keep tyre handlers safe and well.”

Aston’s words were supported by NTDA Director Richard Edy, who said “our research shows that back injuries caused by lifting tyres incorrectly are responsible for a huge number of lost working hours, and we are delighted to be working with HSE to highlight the dangers to the trade.”

“BTMA has worked in partnership with HSE to reduce manual handling injuries for more than ten years,” noted BTMA Health, Safety and Environment director Abid Dost. “These seminars are a golden opportunity to benefit from the distilled knowledge and experience gathered over the years, and acquire the tools to reduce the costs of manual handling injuries.”