Construction: Plasterers

A snapshot of how people employed as plasterers in the construction industry get injured at work, and tips to help prevent these types of injuries from occurring.

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preventing injuries in the workplace.

Construction: Plasterers

Hazards

Hazard 1
Lifting pushing and handling materials
Pre-measure jobs and order sheet sizes to suit the job.

Arrange for plaster sheets to be delivered as close as possible to the final work location or use mechanical load shifting devices (eg forklifts).

When it is not possible to use mechanical lifts, arrange for an adequate number of workers.

Use trolleys to move plaster sheets around the site.

Use 'fail safe' sheet lifters to lift plaster sheets.

Use gloves or gauntlets when working with metal.

Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation).

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons arm.

16 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.

12 per cent of the injuries were to a persons hand/fingers.

11 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

17 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.
Hazard 2
Slips trips and falls
Avoid working at height if possible - use long handled tools.

If working at height is required, provide appropriate height access equipment, use the highest level of falls protection (eg mobile scaffolds, elevated work platforms) as is reasonably practicable, and ensure it is well-maintained.

Set up height access equipment on suitable surfaces.

Ensure all working areas and access ways are clean, level, well-lit and in good condition. Ensure the site layout supports good housekeeping (eg designated delivery and storage areas, waste management, walkways and vehicle parking).

Position materials and supplies (eg plaster sheets, power leads, tools and equipment) so they do not become tripping hazards.

Remove unwanted materials and construction waste from the site so it doesn't accumulate.

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons arm.

16 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons forearm/wrist.

11 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.
Hazard 3
Using equipment and tools
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg powered sanders, trowel boxes to spread plaster, power tools that are lightweight, low vibration and ergonomically designed) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Use 'fail safe' sheet lifters to lift plaster sheets.

Train employees, especially young workers, in the selection and use of hand tools and how to safely use them (eg avoid cutting toward the body when cutting plaster sheets).

Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation).

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (eg hard hats, gloves that absorb impact energy, protection from sharp edges that is puncture resistant, hearing protection, respiratory protection, suitable eyewear).

Ensure employees wear appropriate personal protective clothing (eg long pants, boots).

17 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.

16 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons forearm/wrist.

11 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

12 per cent of the injuries were to a persons hand/fingers.

5 per cent of the injuries were to a persons foot/toes.
Hazard 4
Working at ground or floor level
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (e.g. tables, benches or stands that bring work to waist height, tools with extension handle such as trowel boxes) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. knee pads).

Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (e.g. by using job rotation, work variation).

11 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

Injury hotspots disclaimer

This information does not give rise to any liability of, or claim against, WorkSafe Victoria. It does not give rise to any right, expectation, duty or obligation that a person may not otherwise have. It does not give rise to any defence that would not otherwise be available to a person.

This information does not affect the operation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017.

Please note these injuries and hazards are based on historical claims data. There may also be new common injuries and hazards emerging at your workplace which will need to be addressed.

Construction: Plasterers

Injury hotspots pages contain helpful information for

Construction: Plasterers

Hazards

Lifting pushing and handling materials

Slips trips and falls

Using equipment and tools

Working at ground or floor level

Injury hotspots disclaimer

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Construction: Plasterers

Injury hotspots pages contain helpful information for

Construction: Plasterers

Hazards

Lifting pushing and handling materials

Slips trips and falls

Using equipment and tools

Working at ground or floor level

Injury hotspots disclaimer

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