Manual Handling Hazards
Most jobs involve carrying out some type of manual task whether it is stacking shelves, entering data into a computer or working on a conveyor line.
If these manual tasks are poorly designed or carried out incorrectly, they can become hazardous. Such hazardous manual tasks can cause significant and even irreversible injuries or disorders.
If the risks associated with hazardous manual tasks are not eliminated or minimised they can cause significant and even irreversible injuries or disorders. In Australia, the most common work-related condition are Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) despite the fact there are known methods to eliminate or minimise them.
Identifying hazardous manual tasks
A hazardous manual task is where you have to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, hold or restrain something. It can include:
- repetitive movement
- repetitive or sustained force
- high or sudden force
- sustained or awkward postures
- exposure to vibration.
These factors stress the body and can lead to a wide range of MSDs.
Risk assessment of hazardous manual tasks
A risk assessment should be carried out for any manual handling tasks that have the potential of being hazardous or have been identified as being hazardous.
A risk assessment of manual tasks can identify:
- Postures, movements and forces that pose a risk and at what point they may become dangerous.
- Why they are happening and what actions need to be taken to correct it.
A well-designed work area, work procedures, ergonomically designed tools and equipment will help eliminate or reduce risk factors associated with hazardous manual tasks.
Failure to appropriately manage hazardous manual tasks may result in a breach of WHS laws.
Designing problems out
The best and most cost-effective way to eliminate or minimise the risk of an MSD is to consider manual task hazards and risks during the design and planning stage of a workplace. During this stage, hazards and risks can be ‘designed out’ before they are even introduced into a workplace.
Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant and structures have duties under WHS act to ensure that products do not pose risks to health and safety when they are used for the purpose they have been designed or manufactured for. This also involves ensuring that they will not lead to MSD risks.
Musculoskeletal disorders
MSD refer to an injury or disease of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system supports and protects the body and is made up of the bones of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints and other connective tissues that supports and binds tissues and organs together.
MSD may include:
- Sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons.
- Back injuries including damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal discs, nerves, joints and bones.
- Joint and bone injuries or degeneration, including injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, hands and feet.
- Nerve injuries or compression (for example carpal tunnel syndrome).
- Muscular and vascular disorders as a result of hand-arm vibration.
- Soft tissue injuries such as hernias.
- Chronic pain (pain that lasts longer than three months).
- Acute pain (pain that lasts less than three months).
MSD can occur:
- Over time through gradual wear and tear caused by repeated or continuous use of the same body parts and static body positions.
- Abruptly through strenuous activity or unexpected movements such as when loads being handled, move or change position suddenly.
How Can We Help?
At Anitech Consulting, our consultants can carry out a risk assessment to help you identify any manual handling hazards in the workplace and suggest solutions. Talk to our consultants on 1300 802 163 to find out how we can assist you with this important assessment.
For more information about manual handing, see Safe Work Australia Publication: