Individual worker characteristics
Problems may occur if a worker is not matched to the job (in skill competency or fitness level), or does not have the right protective equipment to do the job.
A person who has an injury, is physically immature, pregnant, or not used to the type of work can also be affected.
Ways to control hazards
- Assess workers¿ competency and training needs, and match skills to jobs (particularly where there is heavy or fast work). Supervise.
- Do not allocate physically demanding or fast work to older workers or younger workers (under 18 years).
- Assess jobs for all, but especially people who have suffered a previous back injury.
- Relieve pregnant workers of physically demanding tasks such as lifting or carrying loads (especially in the last three months of pregnancy).
- Give workers returning after holidays or leave plenty of time to work up to full speed. Reduce line or machine speeds, reduce workloads, allow frequent breaks or rotate jobs.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) that does not restrict movement or is not so loose that it might be caught in equipment. Wear stable, non slip footwear and correctly fitting gloves (covering only the part of the hand that needs protection). If kneeling, use knee protectors. Note that abdominal belts are not effective as PPE and do not protect against the risk of back injury.
More information on individual worker characteristics is provided in section 10.9 of the Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2010.
More information on the handling procedures for people handling is provided in section 7.5 of the Manual Tasks Involving the Handling of People Code of Practice 2001.
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