What is manual handling?

Manual tasks require people to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing. Characteristics of hazardous manual tasks include:

  • Repetitive or sustained force
  • High or sudden force
  • Repetitive movement
  • Sustained or awkward posture
  • Exposure to vibration

Not all manual tasks are hazardous. At Employ Health we work with our partners to proactively identify manual handling hazards in their workplaces and ensure they’re managed effectively. This is done through a Hazardous Manual Task (HMT) risk assessment.

Why does identifying and managing manual handling hazards matter in the workplace?

Hazardous manual handling can increase a worker’s risk of injuries known as musculoskeletal disorders. These injuries include, but are not limited to: 

  • Strains and sprains 
  • Back injuries 
  • Soft tissue injuries 
  • Hernias 
  • Chronic pain

The effective and systematic management of risks improves worker health and safety, as well as productivity. If a workplace can effectively eliminate and control risks in the workplace the benefits include:

  • Preventing and reducing the number and severity of workplace injuries, illnesses, and associated costs
  • Promoting and improving worker health, wellbeing, and capacity to work
  • Fostering innovation and improving the quality and productivity of work

How do workplaces manage manual handling hazards?

Step 1 - Identify Hazards

Find out what could cause harm.

Step 2 - Assess and Rate Risks

Understand the nature of the harm that could be caused by the manual handling hazard, how serious the harm could be and the likelihood of it happening. With reference to HMTs, this is where a tool like the ManTRA or PErforM can be utilised effectively.

Step 3 - Implement Controls

Implement the most effective control measure that is reasonably practicable in the circumstances and ensure that it remains effective over time.

Step 4 - Review Control Measures

Review the control measures to ensure they are working as planned. A ManTRA or PErforM can be completed again at this step to objectively demonstrate the lowered risk.

Eliminating a risk is the most effective control measure. If this is not practicable, then minimise the risk as far as possible.

To implement the most effective controls, you should start at the top of the hierarchy of control.

Where to next? Employ Health can help!

Identification and assessment of risks is an essential aspect of workplace health and safety. Managing the risks arising from hazardous manual tasks is integral to taking a proactive approach to occupational musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) management. 

Employ Health physiotherapists solely operate within the occupational setting across multiple industries, including manufacturing, food production and warehousing. Experience across these fields allows for an appreciation of a broad range of manual handling hazards, and the subsequent requirement for specific treatment for the MSDs that can arise from these. Frequent implementation of ManTRA and PErforM tools allows for Employ Health physiotherapists to have a deep understanding of the risk management process, including the ability to recommend control measures in line with the Hierarchy of Controls. 

Employ Health appreciates the four stages of the Risk Management Process included in the Code of Practice, and has assisted numerous partner businesses in complying with their duties, and, more importantly, effectively controlling risks arising with their workplace.

If you would like to learn more about how Employ Health can assist your workplace with managing manual handling hazards, you can read about our Manual Task Risk Assessments and Manual Handling Training services, or contact us directly.

Related Links 

Safe Work Australia – Model WHS Laws

Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks