MAN/Mechanical Aids/TBT-MAN-028
Handling Kerbs Flags and Paving Slabs
Manual Handling › Mechanical Aids › Handling Kerbs Flags and Paving Slabs
Toolbox Talk
Handling Kerbs Flags and Paving Slabs
Kerbs, flags, and paving slabs are among the heaviest materials routinely handled by construction workers. A standard concrete kerb can weigh over 60kg, and large paving slabs significantly more. Repetitive lifting and carrying of these items causes serious back injuries, and sharp edges create cut and crush hazards to hands and feet. Mechanical aids such as vacuum lifters, kerb grabs, and pallet trucks must be used wherever practicable to reduce the manual handling burden on operatives.
Key Hazards
Severe back injuries from lifting heavy kerbs and paving slabs repetitively
Crush injuries to hands and feet from dropped kerbs and slabs during placement
Cuts and lacerations from sharp edges on concrete and natural stone products
Cumulative musculoskeletal damage from sustained heavy handling over weeks and months
Control Measures
- Use mechanical aids such as vacuum lifters, kerb grabs, and block clamps wherever available.
- Plan material deliveries to minimise carrying distances from storage to the point of installation.
- Use team lifts with agreed coordination signals for items too heavy for one person.
- Wear safety boots with metatarsal protection and cut-resistant gloves for all handling tasks.
- Store materials at working height on pallets to reduce bending and lifting from ground level.
- Rotate tasks between team members to prevent any individual from sustained repetitive handling.
- Use a wheeled trolley or barrow to transport materials across the site instead of carrying by hand.
- Apply correct lifting technique for every lift: knees bent, back straight, load held close.
- Report any back pain, hand injuries, or musculoskeletal discomfort before the condition worsens.
Remember
- A single concrete kerb can weigh over 60kg — always use mechanical aids where available.
- Vacuum lifters and kerb grabs remove the manual lifting burden and should be used as the default method.
- Team lifts require agreed signals so both people lift and lower at the same time.
- Store materials at working height to eliminate bending and lifting from the ground.
- Rotate tasks between team members because sustained repetitive handling causes cumulative damage.
- Report any pain or discomfort early because musculoskeletal injuries worsen significantly with continued exposure.
Applicable Legislation: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · CDM Regulations 2015
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