Whsmp · OPW16/0021

                                                                                    Hutchinson Builders – ABN:52 009 778 330

                                    WHSMP:01 – Work Health & Safety Management Plan
                                                                                                                  Version: 9.2



14. MANUAL HANDLING

HB recognises that manual handling of loads is the largest single category of workplace injury and every effort
must be made to prevent this. Work related back pain is the most common type of manual handling injury.
Other injuries, such as those to the shoulders, neck, knees and ankles, can also result from manual handling.
HB have developed a Project Risk Assessment and Generic Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS:04 –
Manual Tasks) to identify and control risks associated with manual handling.

      14.1 Legislation
Australia’s National Standard for Manual Handling, and Code of Practice 2011 – Hazardous Manual Tasks.
Requires employers, so far as is reasonably practical, to avoid manual handling operations which involve a
risk of injury to personnel. Where it is not reasonable for manual handling to be avoided an assessment of
the operation must be carried out and the risk reduced.

      14.2 General Guidance
Manual handling is not simply lifting items. It concerns all aspects of manually manoeuvring loads, e.g.
pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, tilting, etc. A load is anything that has to be moved, e.g. an oil drum, a box
of typing paper, a crate full of machinery, a vacuum cleaner, a tool box, etc.
Severe and sometimes permanent injuries can be caused by incorrect manual handling of materials and
loads. Some of the injuries sustained include:
             Acute or chronic muscle strain.
             Ruptured discs.
             Fractured bones.
             Damaged ligaments or tendons.
             Hernias.
             Wounds or bruises.
             Sprains and strains arising from the incorrect application and/or prolonged use of bodily
              force.
Poor posture and excessive repetition of movement can be important factors in the onset of injury. Many
handling injuries are cumulative rather than being truly attributable to any single handling incident.
When conducting the risk assessment the following guidelines apply:

             Observe all existing and proposed manual handling activities and consider whether they are
              hazardous, i.e. likely to cause injury to the individual(s) concerned with the job.
             Ensure SWMS covers required lifting and manual handling control measures.
             Follow SDS for chemical handling and movement.
Ergonomic Workstation Assessment will be completed if deemed necessary.




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