Taking the Hazard out of Manual Tasks – NSW Regulations

Most factories, warehouses and other worksites in Australia are equipped with material handling equipment to do a lot of the heavy lifting that workers once maually had to perform. But, despite this, there are still plenty of times when employees will need to carry out manual tasks that could potentially prove hazardous to their health. MHA's quick guide to the NSW safety regulations on manual handling will help you to ensure that your workplace remains safe.

Why Can Manual Handling Be Dangerous?

Heavy materials handling that is done by hand can become dangerous due to the intense stress it can put on your body. Injuries can happen suddenly or over a period of time. They can also occur and go unnoticed at first, which is why it’s important to follow strict precautions rather than trying to assess safety by detecting whether you’re in pain or not.

What Kind of Tasks Count as Hazardous Manual Handling?

The NSW Government defines hazardous manual tasks as anything that requires a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move, hold, or restrain objects without the assistance of material handling equipment such as lifting devices.

These tasks are particularly troublesome when they involve:

• Sustained or awkward postures
• Repetitive, sustained, intense, or sudden force
• Repetitive movements
• Exposure to vibration

The Solution – Risk Management and Elimination

The best solution to this problem is, of course, simply to avoid employees having to carry these tasks out. Check with a reputable material handling equipment supplier to see if there is suitable technology that could perform the same tasks. Having the correct and safe equipment can also significantly help reduce the chance of injuries. Some equipment to help with manual handling risks, in the MHA range include- scissor lift trolleys, Aluminium Heavy Duty Trolleys, and Heavy Duty Storage Cabinets & Benches. Depending on the type of industry or work, other matierals handling product may be required. These could include Drum Tilting & Lifting Equipment or Conveyor Equipment.

Work Smarter, Work Safer

Minimising the risks that dangerous materials handling can pose to your workforce isn’t just the right thing to do, it will create a more efficient working environment and save business' the trouble of lost work time and insurance claims. If you are keen to learn more about safe manual handling, materials handling equipment and workplace safety, check out the great articles on our blog.