• Manual Handling
• Safe Manual Handling Student Information

Manual Handling

WHAT IS MANUAL HANDLING?
Manual handling means more than just lifting or carrying something. The term ‘manual handling’ is used to describe a range of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining an object, animal or person. It also covers activities which require the use of force or effort such as pulling a lever, or operating power tools.

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
Up to one third of all work injuries in Australia occur during manual handling. Most of the reported accidents involving manual handling tasks cause back injury although hands arms and feet are also vulnerable. Sometimes the person injured never fully recovers or requires a long period of rehabilitation before they are able to work again.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THERE IS A RISK OF MANUAL HANDLING INJURIES OCCURRING IN YOUR WORKPLACE?
A risk situation can arise when tasks are poorly designed or where handling involves awkward or constrained postures. These conditions can make it difficult for you to use good handling techniques.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
The national standard for manual handling requires that all tasks in your workplace which involve manual handling are identified and that the risk or likelihood of injury is assessed. Where there is a risk of injury, suitable "control measures" must be introduced. Control measures need to be suitable and safe.