Manual tasks
Manual tasks include any activity where workers grasp, manipulate, carry, move (lift, lower, push, pull), hold or restrain a load. Sprains, strains and other musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back, shoulder and wrist, may result from doing manual tasks.
Workers can be injured with one manual task but generally develop an injury over a period of time. Accumulative damage can gradually build up through:
- handling of loads for example, putting heavy saddles away, manoeuvring horses in a restricted area
- working in a fixed position with the back bent, continuous sitting or standing, for example, riding horses for long periods
- repetitive work with the hand or arm, and having to grip tools or loads tightly, for example, veterinary or healthcare for the horse
- working with the neck, shoulders and arms in a fixed position for prolonged periods, for example, using foot care tools.
Employers should identify and assess the manual tasks which may cause a problem with the health and safety of workers.
Simple changes to a work task or practice may be all that is needed, for example:
- use a trolley or wheelbarrow rather than carrying items such as bales of hay or heavy equipment
- eliminate the handling, for example take the horse to the hay rather than carrying it to the animal and use hoses or pipes instead of carrying water buckets
- reduce the loads, for example use small water buckets to fill large containers and select light saddles.
Workers should be trained in manual handling and safe methods of work related to their jobs.
Further information on manual tasks is provided in section 9 of The Horse Riding Schools, Trail Riding Establishments and Horse Hiring Establishments Industry Code of Practice 2002 and the Manual Tasks Advisory Standard 2000 (now known as a Code of Practice).
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