What Are Manual Handling Hazards?
Manual handling hazards are one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal injuries in Australian workplaces, especially in high‑risk industries like manufacturing. Body stressing injuries were the most common cause of serious workers’ compensation claims last year.
As an employer, you must understand the hazards and risks associated with manual handling and take steps to reduce or eliminate them. This guide explains what manual handling hazards are, how they cause injury, and the most effective ways to reduce the risks.
Hazardous Risks Associated with Manual Handling
Hazardous manual tasks include any activity where force is required to push, pull, lift, lower, carry or otherwise move a load or object. When people incorrectly or frequently engage in undertaking a manual task, they put themselves at risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as lower back pain, neck pain, problems with shoulders and arms, including forearms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers. These problems can result from repeatedly stressing the body to undertake a task or can occur as a once off such as lifting a heavy or awkward load.
Control Measures for Manual Handling
The most effective way to eliminate or minimise risk of an MSD is to consider the hazards and risks related to a manual task during the design and planning stage of a workplace or a job. During this stage, hazards and risks may be able to be eliminated by being ‘designed out’ before they are introduced into a workplace.
That is, if the hazardous manual task is not necessary, then the task should be ceased, and the hazard therefore eliminated. However, this is not always reasonably practicable and you must therefore consider the means by which the risks from hazardous manual tasks may be reduced by working through the hierarchy of control measures.
The hierarchy ranks control measures from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest. Therefore, the control measures may involve a single control or a combination of two or more measures.
As an employer, you have a duty to eliminate hazardous manual tasks wherever possible, or at least lower the risks to as low as practicably possible.
Introducing mechanical aids or making small changes to work processes or procedures which are supported with suitable and appropriate training, can go a long way to minimising the risks.
How to Reduce Manual Handling Risks in the Workplace
You can reduce manual handling risks by eliminating unnecessary manual tasks, redesigning workstations, storing items at waist height, reducing load weight, using mechanical lifting devices, improving floor layout, and providing regular manual handling training.
Manual Handling Procedures and Safe Lifting Steps
Safe lifting procedures help reduce the risk of injury when handling loads. Use the following steps to make sure each lift is planned, controlled, and carried out safely.
Step 1: Identify Manual Handling Hazards and Risks
Plan and check for dangers to yourself or others. Is the destination of the load clear, free from obstruction and within reason? Before lifting, identify any slip, trip or crush hazards around you. Make sure the path is wide enough, dry, and well lit. If the load needs to be moved through a doorway or tight space, check that you can safely manoeuvre it.
Step 2: Assess the Load and Reduce Manual Handling Risk
Check your balance and position. Is the load stable, within your weight limits and easy to grip? Test the weight by lifting one corner first. If it feels too heavy or awkward, stop and get help or use a mechanical aid. Ensure your feet are shoulder width apart and the load is close to your body before lifting.
Step 3: Use Safe Lifting Techniques to Prevent Hazardous Manual Tasks
When lifting items use your legs. Do not jerk when lifting, keep the movement smooth and take a rest if needed. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift by straightening your legs. Avoid sudden movements or twisting while rising. If the load is bulky, ask another worker to help steady it.
Step 4: Control Manual Handling Risks by Moving Safely
When moving your load, move from your feet. Do not twist and keep the heaviest part of the load against your body. Turn your whole body by moving your feet instead of twisting your spine. Keep the load close to your centre of gravity to reduce strain. Take small, controlled steps and avoid rushing.
Step 5: Use PPE and Safe Practices to Minimise Manual Handling Hazards
Ensure that others can see you. If required, wear your personal protective equipment (PPE). Communicate clearly with coworkers when carrying large or obstructive loads. Use gloves if grip is an issue, and wear steel cap boots if there’s a risk of dropping the load. If visibility is poor, ask someone to guide you.
Create safe workplaces with Peninsula
Peninsula works with business owners and employers in Australia, reducing their health and safety risks, providing resources and support to create safe and productive workplaces. If you are uncertain of your obligations when it comes to manual handling, or any other health and safety requirements in your workplace, call Peninsula on 1300 761 935.