Procedures

Manual Tasks Risk Management - Procedures

Printer-friendly version
Body

1.0    Purpose and Scope

This procedure outlines how hazardous manual tasks will be identified, assessed and managed at The University of Queensland (UQ) to reduce the incidence and aggravation of musculoskeletal disorders related to manual tasks.

This procedure supports the Health Safety and Wellness Policy and the Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Procedure, and applies to UQ workers across all UQ campuses and sites.

UQ has a legislated obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 to eliminate or minimise risks of worker injury associated with hazardous manual tasks. For further guidance on identification, assessment and control of manual tasks risks consult the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2021.

Most jobs at UQ involve some type of manual tasks, such as (but not limited to) operating machinery, handling people or animals, pipetting and other laboratory work, lifting and moving equipment, and computer based work. Not all manual tasks are hazardous but as injuries can be caused by either a sudden event or gradual wear and tear, all manual work tasks should be considered in the identification of hazardous manual tasks.

2.0    Process and Key Controls

  1. Manual tasks that may be hazardous must be identified and assessed to enable effective risk control measures to be identified and implemented.

  2. The manual tasks risk management process is detailed in section 3 of this procedure.

  3. Risk assessments must be conducted and documented using UQSafe.

3.0    Key Requirements

3.1    Identification of hazardous manual tasks

A manual task may be hazardous if it involves one of more of the following characteristics:

  • repetitive or sustained force

  • high or sudden force

  • repetitive movement

  • sustained and or awkward postures

  • exposure to sustained vibration.

Note that tasks may involve more than one of these risk factors and the risk of a musculoskeletal injury developing increases significantly when there are two or more of these factors present. The duration of time that tasks which involve any of these factors are completed, must be determined and considered in the risk assessment.

Potentially hazardous manual tasks may be identified by any of the following:

  • direct observation of work

  • reviewing UQSafe incident and hazard data

  • reviewing workers compensation claim data

  • a survey of workers

  • relevant information from regulators, industry associations or specialists. 

3.2    Risk assessment

Manual tasks that have been identified as potentially hazardous must be assessed to identify the contributing factors and source(s) of risk. Psychosocial risk factors may increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders and these should also be considered during the risk assessment. This risk assessment is to determine which postures, movement or force pose a risk, at what point(s) in the task, for how long and why. Manual tasks risk assessments are to be completed in UQSafe.

The sources of risk must be considered during the risk assessment, as these will guide selection of risk control measures. Commonly, these are:

  • the layout and design of the work area or equipment that is used;

  • the nature, size, weight and number of items that are handled in the course of performing the task;

  • how work is organised and the systems of work; and

  • the environment in which the work task is performed.

Where work tasks are sufficiently similar they may be assessed as a group.

Assessment tools are available to assist in risk assessment including Participative Ergonomics for Manual Tasks (PEforM) and a risk assessment worksheet in the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice.

For guidance on conducting a risk assessment, contact the local Work Health and Safety Coordinator (WHSC) or the Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW) Manager in the first instance.  The Ergonomics Advisor (from the Health Safety and Wellness Division) can provide guidance and support as required.

3.3    Risk controls

Hazardous manual tasks must be eliminated whenever possible. This is usually less costly and more achievable in the planning and design phase of a project or process, or during the procurement of equipment.

Consideration should be given to manual task hazards in job design, before new equipment is purchased, and in the planning and design phase of projects to avoid introducing hazardous manual tasks.

Where hazardous manual tasks cannot be eliminated, the hierarchy of controls must be considered when selecting suitable and appropriate control measures.

The Manual Tasks Risk Management Guideline contains guidance on risk control strategies for different manual task types.

Manual task control measures must be reviewed in the following circumstances:

  • if a worker suffers an injury or illness due to the manual task

  • before changes are made to a manual task or the equipment used in a task

  • if new information about the task becomes available

  • if risk control measures do not adequately control the risk

  • before using a piece of equipment for a purpose other than for which it was designed.

3.4    Consultation

Consultation with workers who perform the manual tasks, the local Workplace Health and Safety Coordinator (WHSC) and work group Health and Safety Representative (HSR), must occur throughout the risk management process. This is necessary to ensure controls will be effective, adhered to, and will not create new risks.

3.5    Record keeping

Identified hazards, incidents involving manual taks and risk assessments are completed in UQSafe. This system will retain records of risk assessments indefinitely.

If additional resources are used to assess risks (eg the PErforM tool) these documents can be uploaded to the risk assessment.

4.0    Roles, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

4.1    Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW) Division

The HSW Division is responsible for:

  • providing support, training and advice to work areas regarding manual task risk assessment and selection of risk control measures; and

  • assisting work areas with more complex assessments and/or application of specialist assessment tools for more detailed risk assessment. 

4.2    Heads of Organisational Units

Heads of Organisational Units have responsibility to:

  • allocate adequate resources to eliminate or minimise as far as practicably possible,  hazardous manual tasks;

  • allocate adequate resources to allow for work to be done in accordance with agreed risk control strategies as detailed in the risk assessment;

  • where appropriate, and in line with the risk assessment, allow for the procurement of appropriate plant and/or equipment that may alleviate hazardous manual tasks in their area of responsibility;

  • review the performance of supervisors, staff and students with regard to their health and safety responsibilities for manual tasks; and

  • ensure that appropriate records are kept relating to manual task activities.

4.3    Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW) Managers and Work Health Safety Coordinators (WHSC)

HSW Managers and WHSCs have responsibility to:

  • provide guidance and support to supervisors and managers to complete manual task risk assessments; and

  • facilitate completion of a risk assessment where there may be similar tasks or multiple Supervisors involved for the same type of manual task.

4.4   Supervisors and Managers

Supervisors and managers have responsibility to:

  • contribute to and supervise the development of manual task risk assessments for activities carried out by UQ workers under their supervision;

  • approve UQSafe risk assessments involving manual tasks and ensure that the risk assessment is completed considering the hierarchy of controls, and corrective actions are implemented;

  • provide relevant induction and training for manual tasks;

  • develop and maintain safe operating procedures for activities that involve manual tasks in conulstaiton with workers;

  • identify where plant and/or equipment could be used to eliminate or reduce the risk of injuries from manual tasks and propose the purchasing of these;

  • provide appropriate supervision to ensure that UQ workers comply with recommended safe work practices and procedures;

  • ensure the provision, maintenance and proper use of mechanical equipment used for manual tasks; and

  • review manual tasks risk management plans and ensure that new plans are developed if the nature of work changes and/or a risk management plan proves to be inappropriate.

4.5    Health and Safety Representatives (HSR)

Where there is a HSR for the nominated workgroup, they should be invited to participate in manual task risk assessments or to review and comment on proposed risk control measures and completed assessments. A HSR may request Managers to review hazardous manual task risk controls where there are reported injury concerns. 

4.6    UQ workers

UQ workers are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to ensure their own health and safety when performing manual tasks and that their actions or omissions do not increase risks for others.  UQ workers have responsibility to:

  • comply with reasonable instruction and cooperate with reasonable procedures related to manual tasks;

  • participate in development of manual task risk management plans and obtain approval from the supervisor and Head of Organisational Unit before work commences;

  • conduct work in compliance with risk management plans as recorded in the risk assessment;

  • participate in manual tasks induction and training programs as instructed by the supervisor;

  • report identified manual task hazards in UQSafe; and

  • promptly report via UQSafe (or verbally to the supervisor if access unavailable) any accident, injury or near miss event associated with manual tasks.

5.0    Monitoring, Review and Assurance

Supervisors and managers review all risk assessments and risk control measures for their teams.

The HSW Division will:

  • review this procedure regularly for relevance, currency with legislation and evidence based recommendations;

  • periodically monitor Faculty, Institute and Central Support Services compliance with the requirements of this procedure; and

  • conduct periodic review and monitoring of samples of manual task risk assessments in UQSafe.

6.0    Recording and Reporting

Risk assessments for hazardous manual tasks must be recorded in the UQSafe.

Organisational Units are responsible for accurate recording of local procedures involving manual tasks, and for maintaining training records of all relevant training of personnel. 

7.0    Appendix

Hierarchy of controls – The recommended approach used for controlling risks in the workplace, that ranks risk controls from the highest level of protection and reliability thougth to the lowest and least reliable protection.

Manual task – A task involving physical work that may require a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain an person, animal or thing.

Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) – An injury to, or disease of, the musculoskeletal system. Examples include sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons, joint and bone injuries, nerve injuries, back injuries, soft tissue injuries including hernias, chronic pain. It does not include an injury caused by crushing, entrapment, or cutting from the mechanical operation of plant.

Psychosocial risk factors – aspects of work that have potential to cause psychological harm and compromise a worker’s health and wellbeing. Examples include high job demands with low control, poor support and adverse workplace interactions.

UQSafe – UQ online system for recording risk assessments, injuries/illness, near miss and hazard reporting and certifications.

UQ workers – for the purposes of this procedure includes:

  • staff - continuing, fixed-term, research (contingent funded) and casual staff;

  • contractors, subcontractors and consultants;

  • visiting academics and researchers;

  • affiliates - academic title holders, visiting academics, emeritus professors, adjunct and honorary title‑holders, industry fellows and conjoint appointments;

  • higher degree by research students; and

  • volunteers and students undertaking work experience.

Custodians
Director, Health, Safety and Wellness Mr Jim Carmichael

Guidelines

Manual Tasks Risk Management - Guidelines

Printer-friendly version
Body

1. Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this guideline is to offer advice regarding the management of musculoskeletal disorder risks associated with manual tasks, including the selection of manual handling controls and design of work areas with manual tasks.

2. Definitions, Terms, Acronyms

Musculoskeletal disorder - Sprain or strain to soft tissues of the body, including muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and intervertebral discs. Examples: back pain, sciatica, neck strain.

Manual task - A task that requires a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing.

PPE - Personal protective equipment

Hazardous manual task - A manual task requiring repetitive or sustained force, high or sudden force, repetitive movement, sustained or awkward posture or exposure to vibration.

3. Guidelines Scope/Coverage

This guideline applies to all University staff and students who may be required to perform manual tasks as part of their role at the University.

4. Guidelines Statement

The University is aware that musculoskeletal disorders can occur during hazardous manual tasks and offers guidance on how these tasks may be carried out to minimise risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

5. Risk Management

5.1 Risk identification

The risk of sustaining musculoskeletal disorders to the back, upper and lower limbs when performing manual tasks is dependent on a number of factors:

  • size and weight of the object
  • the heights at which the lift is carried out
  • the distance of the object from the person
  • the ease with which the object can be grasped
  • the stability of the object
  • the duration of handling
  • the frequency of handling
  • the availability of appropriate mechanical assistance
  • the fitness and skill of those carrying out the manual handling tasks.

5.2 Risk management plan

As outlined in the Manual Tasks Risk Management Procedure and in accordance with Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice (2011), a risk assessment and risk management plan should be developed for manual tasks at the University. The information in this guideline should be used to assist in the development of local risk management plans and for the planning of safe manual tasks.

The hierarchy of controls should be used to identify the most suitable risk controls. Higher level controls are more effective and reliable controls for the minimisation of musculoskeletal disorder risks associated with manual tasks.

Examples of manual tasks risk controls and assistive equipment are related to the hierarchy of controls in the table below.

Hierarchy Control type Example
1 Elimination Delivery of items directly to the point of use is an example of elimination of the manual task
2 Substitution Ordering smaller quantities or requesting items are packaged in smaller boxes to reduce weight of items and force required of worker
3 Isolation Automated mail/book sorters, conveyor belts, tugs
4 Engineering Height adjustable work platforms, trolleys
5 Administrative Reduce duration of manual tasks through task variation, manual tasks risk management training
6 Personal Protective Equipment Steel capped boots to reduce risk of foot injuries, safety glasses to reduce risk of eye injuries, etc.

6. Manual Tasks for Pregnant Workers

Pregnancy may increase the risk of injury associated with manual tasks due to the changing shape of the body and hormonal changes causing softening of tissues and increasing laxity of joints and ligaments in the lower back, hips and pelvis. The physical demands of pregnancy may also hasten the onset of fatigue and decrease the worker's tolerance to heat. Pregnant workers working in hot or humid environments should take care to increase water intake and take more frequent rest breaks.

Pregnant workers should also reconsider tasks such as horseback riding, handling large animals, off-road driving and exposure to whole-body vibration which may increase risk of miscarriage.

In some cases, a worker may be provided with medical guidance from their treating practitioner regarding their physical capabilities while pregnant. In these instances, manual tasks should be assessed for risks and reasonable control measures meeting their doctor's requirements implemented.

Pregnant workers are encouraged to seek confidential advice from the Occupational Health Nurse Advisor (OHS Division) to discuss any potential OHS concerns related to their pregnancy. Refer to the University's Working Safely with Reproductive Hazards guidelines (PPL 2.60.05) for information regarding biological, chemical and radioactive hazards and pregnancy.

7. Manual Tasks Associated with University Events

When planning and coordinating events, a risk assessment should be conducted to ensure risks to event attendees, those who set-up and dismantle event equipment are identified and managed.

When setting up events requiring a variety of large equipment (tables, marquees, tents, etc.) consider use of a University vehicle to reduce manual handling and increase the efficiency of event set-up staff. Use of vans or utility vehicles will maximise storage capability while maintaining easy access. 

When food is ordered or catering provided, request the catering be delivered directly to the event site to reduce unnecessary handling.

Consider use of trolleys that can also be used as food/beverage service stations to reduce manual handling (i.e. serve coffee/tea directly from the trolley).

8. Manual Handling Assistive Equipment

8.1 Selection of assistive equipment

When selecting assistive equipment, refer to the hierarchy of controls to best minimise musculoskeletal disorder risks associated with manual tasks. 

Trolleys eliminate the need for the worker to carry goods and equipment and allow workers to transport a higher volume and/or larger and/or heavier items than could be moved by a worker or group of workers. Trolleys also facilitate the transport of goods to variable distances across level surfaces.

Height-adjustable equipment or work surfaces will accommodate different types of work as well as workers of different heights, reducing risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Height-adjustable trolleys or work platforms may eliminate lifting and lowering of goods or equipment between work surfaces of different heights.

Hydraulically and electrically operated equipment may help to reduce the force required of the worker to lift, lower, push or pull goods or equipment. For example, use of a hydraulic drum lifter is less likely to cause a musculoskeletal disorder compared to a worker lifting a drum manually. Electrically operated tail gates for vehicles eliminate the force required and drastically reduce the shoulder movements required to manually raise or lower the tail gate.

For further information, refer to section 4.5 in the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice (2011), which outlines selection and use of mechanical aids.

8.2 Trolley selection

When selecting and purchasing trolleys, consider the size and shape of items that need to be transported. To minimise risk of musculoskeletal disorders when using trolleys, consider the following:

  • height and shape of handles
  • height of the trolley bed (i.e. flat bed, shelf trolleys, etc.)
  • access to stored items on trolley
  • type of wheels
  • size of trolley.

8.2.1 Handles

To reduce awkward postures when pushing or pulling trolleys, handles should allow for comfortable use close to user's elbow height. Handles should allow for comfortable gripping and steering of trolley. Handles that allow workers to push from behind rather than pull are preferable. 

8.2.2 Trolley height and storage characteristics

Trolleys should help to reduce awkward postures such as repeated bending, stopping or lifting from low level surfaces. If a trolley has a low shelf, consider only using that section for lightweight or rarely accessed items. Heavy or bulky items should be stored on the most accessible shelf, preferably at worker's elbow height. Try to avoid deep bins that require bending down to pick up items (i.e. large laundry trolleys). Consider trolleys or bins with spring loaded or mechanically adjustable platforms to reduce lifting requirements, and awkward postures when lifting or lowering items.

8.2.3 Wheel selection

Consider the floor surface in the work area where the trolley will be used and the weight of the items to be transported using the trolley. Larger wheels reduce push/pull forces and pneumatic wheels are easier to maneuver across uneven surfaces.

8.2.4 Trolley size

Consider the size, shape and weight of the items to be transported when deciding on trolley size. Larger trolleys will hold more objects but will also require greater force to push, pull and steer - potentially increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

9. Hand Tools

Use of hand tools can increase risk of musculoskeletal disorders through the force required and repetitive nature of work involving hand tools. Poor tool design or incorrect tool selection may lead to awkward hand and wrist postures and sustained gripping of tools may further increase risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Hand-held power tools transmit vibration through the hand and arm of the worker, increasing risk of musculoskeletal disorder. Refer to PPL 2.50.06 Controlling Risks from Exposure to Vibration - Guidelines for more information regarding managing exposure to vibration.

The Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice (2011) outlines the following strategies to reduce muscular effort required by use of hand tools:

  • use power tools where possible
  • suspending or supporting tools where they are used repetitively and in the same location
  • counterbalancing heavy tools that are used repetitively and need to be kept away from the body
  • using the trigger locks where the grip has to be sustained for more than 30 seconds
  • holding the work piece in place with jigs or fixtures
  • selecting tools that produce the least vibration
  • reducing impact shocks
  • limiting torque or 'kick back' reactions.

Additional considerations to minimise risk of musculoskeletal disorder include:

  • wear appropriate PPE and keep all guards in place
  • select the appropriate tool and attachment for the material and the task
  • avoid using tools in way they were not designed to be used 
  • ensure appropriate tool maintenance
  • avoid use of faulty or unsafe tools
  • operate the tool at the correct speed.

Advice regarding the design and maintenance of hand tools is outlined in section 4.4 of the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice (2011).

For advice regarding the safe use of specific hand tools, refer to the UQ online Hand Tool Safety training module. Workers who use hand tools as part of their work at the University are required to complete this module. 

10. Safe Storage

Poor design and layout of storage areas can increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorder if equipment or materials are difficult to access or not stored effectively.

Below is a list of general storage principles to minimise risk of musculoskeletal disorders when storing or accessing stored furniture, equipment or materials.

  • large, heavy or awkward items should be stored at worker's chest/elbow height
  • frequently accessed items should be stored at worker's chest/elbow height
  • ensure workers know how the weight of items before handling, either with manufacturer/supplier labels or University labels
  • in warehouses, ensure aisles are wide enough for trolleys, order pickers or tow motors
  • consider available space and frequency of orders when selecting quantity or volume of items to be shipped or stored
  • limit need to store items by only ordering the volume or quantity needed
  • when selecting items, consider how easily they can be stored (i.e. stackable chairs, vs. chairs that are not stackable).

Those in control of the design of storage facilities and warehouses should also consider:

  • shape, size and weight of items to be stored
  • how frequently items in storage will need to be accessed
  • location of storage facility in relation to where items will be transported to
  • access to storage area for workers, trolleys, carts and vehicle.

11. Shipping and Receiving Areas

Poor design of shipping and receiving areas or ineffective shipping/receiving processes may increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Consider the following principles to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders when working in shipping/receiving areas:

  • use appropriate manual handling equipment; height adjustable pallets and trolleys, pallet jacks, drum lifters, forklifts, etc.
  • try to use packing benches that allow relaxed shoulder postures when packing; consider use of height adjustable benches or modifying existing benches to accommodate size of boxes
  • limit depth of benches, docks or work surfaces to reduce over-reaching
  • pallets and large equipment is best stored/received at floor height to be moved easily with a pallet jack or forklift
  • ensure shipping/receiving areas are easily accessible to all vehicles
  • consider whether goods can be delivered directly to point of use to reduce manual handling.

Those in control of the design of shipping/receiving areas should also consider:

  • consider capacity or size of shipping/receiving area based on current and potential future needs
  • loading/receiving docks should be 600-800 mm in depth to limit forward reaching and strain on upper and lower back
  • loading/receiving docks should be an appropriate height to reduce forward benching, over-reaching or stooping.

12. Additional Information

For additional information, contact the Ergonomics and Rehabilitation Officer in OHS Division

ohs@uq.edu.au

Custodians
Director, Health, Safety and Wellness Mr Jim Carmichael
Custodians
Director, Health, Safety and Wellness Mr Jim Carmichael