About manual tasks
What are manual tasks?
How do manual tasks cause injury?
Training for manual tasks
What are manual tasks?
Manual tasks are carried out in most types of work. It includes activities that require someone to exert force in order to grasp, manipulate, strike, throw, carry, move (lift, lower, push, pull), hold or restrain an object, load or body part.
Manual tasks cover a wide range of activities such as stacking shelves, working on a processing line, entering data into a computer, directing traffic and helping a person to shower.
Manual tasks can contribute to injuries affecting all parts of the body, particularly the back, shoulder and wrist. These are commonly called musculoskeletal disorders and account for more than half of the:
- cost of workers' compensation claims
- number of days lost from work
- absences over six months.
Employers are responsible for preventing work related injuries or disorders caused by manual tasks.
How do manual tasks cause injury?
An injury can be caused by a one-off overload situation, intense or strenuous activity or, more commonly, by ongoing wear and tear to the soft tissue structures of the body (joints, ligaments, muscles and intervertebral discs).
Over time, damage can build up through things such as:
- handling loads - frequent lifting with the back bent and/or twisted, or pushing or pulling loads
- repetitive work - using the hand or arm, or gripping tools or loads tightly
- static work of the whole body - working in a fixed position with the back bent, continuous sitting or standing, or driving vehicles for long periods
- static work of the upper limb - working with the neck, shoulders and arms in a fixed position (such as using tools and handling heavy loads)
- vibration - using tools or coming into contact with vibrating surfaces while undertaking manual tasks (such as sitting on a large machine).
More information on injuries caused by manual tasks is provided in section 1 of the Manual Tasks Advisory Standard 2000 (now known as a Code of Practice).
More information on injuries caused by people handling is provided in the Manual Tasks Involving the Handling of People Code of Practice 2001 .
Training for manual tasks
Training is not the most important method of preventing manual tasks injuries - and you should not rely upon training in the absence of modifying the task or even eliminating manual tasks whenever possible i.e. always consider a design option as your first option for control. However, training is a key element of an employer's legal obligation to provide a healthy and safe workplace.
More on How to prevent injury from manual handling
Training in safe manual tasks should address tasks commonly undertaken in your workplace, and should be based on the injury pattern of both your industry and workplace.
Training in manual handling should be provided to:
- workers
- supervisors and managers of workers
- workplace health and safety representatives
- officers responsible for the risk management process of manual tasks i.e. identifying, assessing and controlling the risk of injury.
Training should occur when a person is inducted into a job, when new equipment is installed, or when a new manual task is introduced. Ongoing training should be provided regularly; and workers should be supervised to ensure they are competent.
Regularly review and modify training programs (especially as new tools or equipment are purchased). Keep records of all training including dates, training sites, topics and the names and signatures of the trainer and attendees.
The list below identifies competencies workers should have to do their job safely and efficiently.
For personal safety:
- how to do a basic risk assessment
- how to avoid poor working postures
- the need to vary posture occasionally during tasks that involve static body positions for long periods
- typical workplace injuries associated with the manual tasks performed, their causes, early signs of injury and risk factors
- if handling loads:
- how to handle loads safely
- when to call for help
- when to use mechanical aids
- if using tools:
- recognising risks associated with specific tools and understanding the safety precautions
- keeping hand grip force to the lowest level possible
- understanding why tools should be well maintained
- if working with vibrating tools and equipment:
- how to reduce vibration directed into the hands
- how to grip tools properly for safe operation
- the need to keep tools well maintained
- the need to report early symptoms of vibration disease.
For job and workstation operation:
- how to adjust chairs and other adjustable furniture at the workstation, or any other adjustable equipment
- the best ways to carry out more difficult and repetitious tasks in order to minimise muscle strain
- the proper use of mechanical handling devices.
For administrative procedures:
- the need to report symptoms early, procedures for reporting, and the designated officer to report to
- how to report problems with the maintenance of tools and equipment.
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