MANUAL HANDLING - INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Manual Handling program at the University
- What is Manual Handling?
- Legislative requirement to control Manual Handling risks
- Using a risk management approach to address risks
- Types of risk control options
Background to Manual Handling at the University of Sydney
The University of Sydney launched the Masters of Manual Handling Program in 1997.
See the links below for background information on the history of this program.
- Aims and Objectives (pdf format)
- Roles and Responsibilities (pdf format)
- Previous Manual Handling Newsletters
What is Manual Handling?
Definition of Manual Handling:
Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move or hold or restrain any object.
Legislative Requirement to Control Manual Handling Risks
The requirement to control manual handling risks is covered by three main legislative frameworks, as outlined below. Failure to adequately control risks can lead to organisational and personal fines.
|
NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000
|
General requirements for health, safety and welfare which must be met at all places of work in NSW. |
|
NSW OHS Regulation 2001
|
Aims to support the OHS Act 2000 in achieving reductions of workplace injuries and disease. Replaces all regulations made under the OHS Act 1983, the Construction Safety Act 1912 and the Factories, Shops and Industries Act 1962. Contains detailed provisions on aspects of health and safety at work. |
|
National Standard and Code of Practice for Manual Handling 1990 |
Aims to prevent the occurrence of injury and/or reduce the severity of injuries resulting form manual handling risks in workplaces. Requires workplaces to identify, assess and control risks arising from manual handling activities in workplaces.
|
Using a Risk Management Approach to Control Risks
This is the required approach under the OHS legislation
Step 1: Identify hazards
Step 2: Assess the risks
Step 3: Control the risks
Continuous: Evaluate and Improve
Step 1: Identify hazards
look at historical data
- look at historical data
- workers compensation statistics
- record of injury
- inspection reports
- consultation with employees
- workgroup survey results
- observation of tasks - video or photos can help
Step 2: Assess the risks
Factors to assess; (The OHSIM checklist guides you through this assessment)
- actions or movements
- layout
- posture and position
- load location and distance moved
- weights and forces
- characteristics of load and equipment
- work organisation
- work environment
- skill and experience
- age
- clothing
- special needs
(WorkCover NSW 1994)
Step 3: Control the risks
- The Manual Handling Code requires employers to eliminate the risks if at all possible.
- Other risk reduction methods are only to be used if elimination is not possible.
- Training and administrative controls are to be used alone only where all other avenues have been unsuccessful in controlling the risk.
Types of Risk Control Options
Eliminate risk all together
OR
| Task Redesign | Mechanical Aids | Training | Administrative |
|---|---|---|---|
|
EG. trolleys, scissor lifts,castors, hoists |
|
|
Examples of Task Re-Design and Mechanical Aids
| Task Re- Design | |
|---|---|
| Modify layout | Eg. Adjustable tub base that raises as the load lightens |
|
Modify work flow or process |
Eg. Reach a hose from a tap to a bucket to limit bucket lifting and holding |
|
Tool design |
Eg. Look for designs that keep joints at neutral position when in use |
|
Change actions and forces |
Eg. Add a castor that can be flipped up out of the way to allow for wheeling action rather than carrying or pulling |
| Mechanical Aids |
|---|
| Eg. Mechanical hoist to take weight of loads in lifts |
|
Eg. Pneumatic lift trolley eg. to ease load of lifting pcs off desk by raising trolley to desk height and using sideways transfer not lift and carry |
| EG. Items frequently access on wheeled platform to avoid awkward handling |