skip navigation
Home >  WorkSafe >  Safety Topics >  Manual handling >  Frequently asked questions

Manual handling

Frequently asked questions

Contents

  1. What is manual handling?
  2. What is the current legislation on manual handling?
  3. How can manual handling hazards be identified?
  4. What is a safe weight to lift?
  5. Is it expensive to implement manual handling solutions?
  6. What type of products could I use to address manual handling problems?
  7. Where do I find consultants who can help with my manual handling or other ergonomics related problems?
  8. What should be covered in manual handling training?

1.  What is manual handling?

Manual handling means any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain a person, animal or thing.

Manual handling also includes any activity involving repetitive and/or forceful movements (eg. keying data into a computer; using a screwdriver) and any activity where the person must maintain constrained or awkward postures (eg. driving a truck; leaning over to make beds).

2.  What is the current legislation on manual handling?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 contains general duties and responsibilities placed upon employers and workers to ensure their own safety at work, and that of others who might be injured by the work.  These duties extend to the prevention of manual handling injuries.

The Act also requires employers to investigate matters reported to them by employers, determine the action to be taken (if any), and notify the employee who made the report of the action to be taken.

The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 require the employer to identify each hazard that is likely to arise from manual handling at the workplace and to assess the risk of injury or harm.

The Code of Practice for Manual Handling provides further information.

3. How can manual handling hazards be identified?

Manual handling hazards can be identified by:

  • reviewing hazard/injury reports;
  • consulting with employees and safety and health representatives; and
  • by observing tasks being performed.

More information on identifying, assessing and controlling manual handling hazards can be found in the Code of Practice for Manual Handling .

4. What is a safe weight to lift?

The risk of injury increases as the weight of the load increases.  Evaluating the risk posed by the weight of the object needs to take into account:

  • how long the load is handled; and
  • how often the load is handled.

Appendix H of the Code of Practice for Manual Handling  provides guidance concerning the handling of heavy objects. 

5. Is it expensive to implement manual handling solutions? 

There are a wide range of ways to control the risk of manual handling injury, ranging from simple procedural changes to state-of-the-art machinery and equipment.  The costs of manual handling solutions are justified when you consider the costs associated with injured workers requiring time off work.

6. What type of products could I use to address manual handling problems?

The type of products depend on the work being done.  Products can be located via the Yellow Pages and the internet and include: 

  • back saver cranes;
  • castors;
  • drum handling;
  • forklift attachments;
  • hand trucks;
  • lift tables;
  • load skates;
  • pallet lifters;
  • stair climbers;
  • tailgate loaders;
  • tool balancers;
  • trolleys;
  • utility cranes;
  • vacuum lifters;
  • wheels; and 
  • work stands.

7. Where do I find consultants who can help with my manual handling or other ergonomics related problems?

You can make enquiries for the names of likely consultants through:

  • your local trade or industry association;
  • business colleagues and organisations;
  • professional associations;
  • the yellow pages of the telephone directory. See:ergonomics; rehabilitation Services; and
    occupational Health and Safety

  • internet search engines.  Keywords:
    "australia";
    "ergonomics";
    "occupational health"; and
    "occupational safety".

.8. What should be covered in manual handling training?

Depending on the degree of risk, the Code of Practice for Manual Handling  requires that employees should have an understanding of some or all of the following:

  • key sections of the regulations and Code of Practice, relating to manual handling;
  • the role and responsibilities of the employer, employees and others, and the consultation which should take place between employer and employees in order to identify manual handling hazards, and to assess and control risks;
  • the relationship between the human body work activity and risk of manual handling injury;
  • the risk management approach to manual handling; and
  • the application of relevant control strategies.

Related information