The risk of hazardous tasks in the workplace

Hazardous manual tasks (HMT) can pose significant risks to workers’ health and safety. Employers must implement measures to prevent injuries and illnesses caused by these tasks.

Manual tasks, also known as manual handling, involve actions such as lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding, restraining, or moving a person, animal, or object. Examples include:

• Stacking shelves
• Worked on a conveyor line
• Entering data into a computer
• Bathing a patient

Not every manual task is hazardous. A task is considered hazardous if it involves one or more of the following:

• Repetitive or sustained force
• High or sudden force
• Repetitive movement
• Sustained or awkward posture
• Exposure to vibration

These factors, when performed for extended periods, can put stress on the body and increase the risk of injury. The more risk factors present and the longer the exposure, the higher the likelihood of injury.

Hazardous manual tasks are a leading cause of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in Australia. However, they are not the only cause of MSDs.

Responsibilities of PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking)

PCBUs are legally required to manage health and safety risks related to MSDs from hazardous manual tasks. The most effective way to do this is by following a structured approach and consulting with workers.

To manage MSD risks, PCBUs must:

• Identify potential hazards
• Eliminate risks where reasonably practicable
• If elimination is not feasible, minimise risks using control measures based on the Hierarchy of Control
• Maintain control measures to ensure their effectiveness
• Regularly review risk control measures

PCBUs must also consult with workers throughout this process, as workers often have valuable insights into job demands and potential improvements. Additionally, they must collaborate with other duty holders, such as service providers, facility maintenance teams, and contractors, to enhance workplace safety.

Further responsibilities include providing adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision relevant to workers’ tasks.

Duties of Officers and Workers

Officers (e.g., company directors) must exercise due diligence to ensure PCBUs comply with workplace health and safety (WHS) laws. This includes taking reasonable steps to ensure appropriate resources and processes are in place to eliminate or minimise risks from hazardous manual tasks.

Workers have a duty to:

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety
• Avoid actions that could negatively impact the health and safety of others
• Follow reasonable instructions and comply with workplace health and safety policies
• Fit-for-purpose equipment were provided
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as instructed

Risk Management Approach

Training is important but should not be the primary method of controlling risks associated with hazardous manual tasks. Instead, PCBUs must adopt a risk management approach to prevent MSDs.

Whenever possible, the highest level of control measures from the Hierarchy of Control should be used, such as:

• Elimination – Removing the hazard entirely
• Substitution – Replacing the task or equipment with a safer alternative
• Isolation – Separating workers from the hazard
• Engineering Controls – Redesigning work processes or using mechanical aids
• Administrative controls (such as training, procedures, and information) should only be used when higher-order controls are not practical or as additional measures to further reduce risks.