As the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) launches its nationwide campaign addressing the dangers of working at height on construction sites, Habitus recognises that safety starts long before a worker steps onto scaffolding or ascends a ladder. In fact, it all starts from the ground, with proper manual handling training, an understanding of ergonomic principles, risk assessments and thorough planning, as well as physical health assessments to ensure workers are physically prepared to meet the demands of the job. By focusing on manual handling training and assessments as a foundation for safety at height, Habitus’ solutions align with Part 4 of the General Application Regulations 2007 for work at height, ensuring compliance with HSA requirements for planning, organising, and supervising tasks conducted at height.
Falls from work at height remain one of the most significant causes of fatalities in the construction sector. The numbers are alarming: from 2014 to 2023, 60% of the 93 fatalities in the industry were due to falls from height, and in 2023 alone, 7 out of 10 construction-related deaths resulted from such falls. These figures highlight the importance of safety measures at every level of the process, starting with manual handling training, physical health and risk assessments, which are crucial for preparing workers to handle the physical demands that arise when working at height.
Habitus integrates the hierarchy of risk control—avoid, prevent, and mitigate—ensuring that the risks associated with both manual handling and work at height are addressed comprehensively. We aim to avoid tasks at height where possible, prevent risks through ergonomic tools and techniques, and mitigate risks using real-time feedback from our AI-driven assessments.
How manual handling assessments contribute to safer work environments
When workers are improperly trained or lack the strength and technique to safely handle materials on the ground, it leads to a higher risk of accidents when they work at height. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by manual handling are a major concern, with three out of every five workers in Europe reporting back and limb issues, according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). For construction workers, who are often tasked with lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying heavy loads, the risk is even greater.
Habitus’ AI-driven manual handling training and assessments ensure that workers are evaluated on how they lift, carry and move materials before engaging in more complex tasks. Using video analysis, our system evaluates worker posture, load handling and movement patterns in real time, flagging any risky behaviours that could lead to injury. Our AI system, trained on the valid ergonomic assessment tools REBA and RULA, provides actionable feedback that can prevent injuries and prepare workers for the physical challenges they will face while working at height.
From assessments to recommendations: closing the loop on safety
What sets Habitus apart is our comprehensive approach to safety. We don’t just identify risks; we help avoid and prevent them by offering tailored recommendations. Our platform delivers detailed insights into each worker’s manual handling performance and offers suggestions on corrective actions. These can include targeted training programmes, better lifting techniques, or suggestions on the introduction of mechanical aids to minimise strain and reduce injury risk.
But safety doesn’t end with the assessment. Habitus helps prevent future risks by allowing employers to improve their health and safety policies with bespoke, educational material and then proactively send that relevant information directly to workers for them to attest receiving it, ensuring that safety knowledge is continuously reinforced. This includes:
- Personalised recommendations
- Regulatory information: Workers are kept informed about the latest safety regulations and compliance requirements, particularly those outlined by the HSA for working at height.
- Employer guidelines: Employers can send critical safety updates and company policies directly through our platform, ensuring that all workers are up-to-date on safety protocols.
By keeping the flow of information open and accessible, Habitus ensures that workers have the knowledge and tools to prioritise safety, while helping employers stay compliant with regulations.
Working at height begins on the ground
As the HSA’s campaign rightly highlights, ensuring worker safety at height starts with proper planning and risk assessment. This is where Habitus excels. Our manual handling training and assessments not only identify areas for improvement but also help to ensure that workers are physically prepared for the demanding tasks ahead. By addressing manual handling issues on the ground, we lay the foundation for a safer, more efficient work environment when tasks at height come into play.
Moreover, our system integrates with fall prevention strategies, ensuring that workers are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to manage the risks of working at height. Through regular training and continuous assessments with real-time feedback, we create a proactive safety culture that keeps workers protected both on the ground and at height.
Empowering workers with knowledge
Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools in preventing workplace accidents and Habitus ensures that workers have access to the information they need, exactly when they need it. Whether it’s regulatory updates, personalised ergonomic recommendations or company-specific safety protocols, our platform delivers crucial insights directly to the worker. This helps create a continuous learning environment, where safety isn’t just something reviewed in training sessions, but part of the daily work routine.
The HSA’s campaign also coincides with European Week for Safety and Health at Work, which emphasises the need to address MSDs and ergonomic risks. Frank Power, Ergonomist and Inspector at the HSA, has emphasised the importance of assessing manual handling activities and implementing mechanical aids where possible. Habitus’ solution supports these goals by giving workers real-time access to safety resources and ensuring that they are using best practices in every task they undertake.
Conclusion: a holistic approach to safety
Falls from height and MSDs are two of the most common and severe workplace hazards in the construction sector, but both can be mitigated through careful planning, risk assessment, and proper training. Habitus’ manual handling training and assessments feed directly into the broader effort to improve workplace safety by addressing the root causes of injury, ensuring that workers are well-prepared to perform their tasks safely—whether they are on the ground or at height.
By delivering real-time assessments, personalised recommendations, and important safety information directly to workers, Habitus is helping companies foster a proactive safety culture. As the HSA continues its campaign to promote safe working practices in the construction industry, we are committed to supporting employers and workers alike in creating safer, healthier work environments
