What is a Manual Task Risk Assessment (ManTRA)?

A Manual Task Risk Assessment (ManTRA) is an assessment tool used to evaluate the exposure to musculoskeletal risk factors related to manual tasks within the workplace. It combines information about the time a task is performed with an assessment of various characteristics of the task, such as cycle time, force, speed, awkwardness, and vibration. This assessment helps determine the level of risk and the necessity for control measures to be implemented.

 

Benefits of Conducting a ManTRA

Meet WHS Regulations:

Compliance: Identifying hazards associated with manual handling tasks and assessing the risk of MSDs are essential aspects of the risk management process. Completing a ManTRA ensures your business meets its obligations under Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulations for hazardous manual tasks.

Learn Safe Work Practices:

Collaborative Learning: The involvement of employees and managers in the ManTRA process promotes a systemic understanding of risk management within the workplace. This collaborative approach helps staff at all levels appreciate and adopt safe work practices.

Reduce Injury Risks:

Proactive Prevention: By identifying and mitigating risks associated with hazardous manual tasks, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries, including strains, sprains, fractures, and hernias. This proactive approach also helps in preventing chronic pain and psychological injuries.

Improve Workplace Culture:

Enhanced Safety Culture: Adopting participative risk assessment and management tools fosters a positive health and safety culture within the workplace. This cultural shift helps reduce risk across all levels—work, worker, and workplace.

Reduce Sprain & Strain Claims:

Cost Savings: Effective risk management can lead to substantial reductions in sprain and strain claims. For example, businesses partnering with Employ Health have seen a 63% reduction in such claims within 18 months of implementing a comprehensive manual task risk management program.

When Should a Manual Task Risk Assessment Be Conducted?

A manual task risk assessment should be conducted whenever hazards related to manual handling are identified. Here are key situations that necessitate a ManTRA:

Identifying Hazardous Tasks:

Consultation: Engage with workers and health and safety representatives to identify tasks that have the potential to cause MSDs. Workers are often the best source of information about the risks they face daily.

Reviewing Injury Trends:

Data Analysis: Regularly review injury reports and trends to identify tasks that may require a formal risk assessment. This proactive step helps pinpoint areas where preventive measures are most needed.

Changes in Work Processes:

New Tasks or Equipment: Conduct a ManTRA when introducing new tasks, equipment, or work processes. Any change in the workplace can introduce new risks, and it's crucial to assess these before they result in injuries.

Regular Assessments:

Scheduled Reviews: Implement a schedule for regular risk assessments to ensure ongoing compliance and safety. Regular reviews help maintain a safe work environment and adapt to any new challenges.

Why Choose Employ Health for ManTRA?

Employ Health’s team of physiotherapists exclusively operates within occupational settings across various industries, including manufacturing, food production, and warehousing. Their extensive experience allows them to understand a broad range of hazardous manual tasks and provide specific treatments for MSDs.

  • Expertise in Risk Management: Employ Health physiotherapists frequently implement ManTRA and PErforM tools, ensuring a deep understanding of the risk management process. They recommend control measures aligned with the Hierarchy of Controls.
  • Comprehensive Approach: Employ Health appreciates the four stages of the Risk Management Process included in the Code of Practice for Hazardous Manual Tasks. They assist partner businesses in complying with their duties and effectively controlling risks.

Conducting a Manual Task Risk Assessment is a proactive step towards ensuring workplace safety and health. By identifying and mitigating risks associated with hazardous manual tasks, businesses can comply with WHS regulations, promote safe work practices, reduce injury risks, and foster a positive safety culture. Employ Health is committed to helping businesses implement effective risk management strategies through comprehensive assessments and tailored control measures. Schedule a ManTRA with Employ Health today to safeguard your workforce and enhance your business’s safety culture.

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