PR0070 Manual Handling

Procedure
1.

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Aim

This procedure aims to minimise the potential risk of injury, or the aggravation of existing
conditions, resulting from work related incidents to personnel conducting manual handling
activities at Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd (DBCT P/L).

2.

Scope

This procedure shall apply to all manual handling activities performed by all workers at DBCT P/L
excluding Principle Contractors.

3.

Definitions

Term

Definition

Manual Handling

Activities requiring a person to grasp, manipulate, strike, throw,

carry, move (lift, lower, push, pull), hold or restrain an object,
load or body part.

Ergonomic

The applied science of equipment design, as for the

workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing
operator fatigue and discomfort

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can affect the body's

muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Most workrelated MSDs develop over time and are caused either by the
work itself or by the employees' working environment e.g.
Carpal tunnel, rotator cuff, De Quervain's disease, trigger
finger.

4.

Relevant Legislation and Guidelines

Applicable Legislation, Codes of Practice or International / Australian Standards relevant to this

procedure:

Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)

Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)
Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2011 (Qld)

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Responsibilities

Role Title

Responsibility

Executive Managers

Allocating adequate financial resources to ensure compliance

with DBCT P/Ls Manual Handling Procedure

Ensure that all workers are aware of their responsibilities

under this Procedure.
Ensure workers are available for any learning activity.
Ensure that workers are adequately supervised to perform
manual handling tasks safely.
Ensure they comply with the requirements of this Procedure
Report manual handling and other ergonomic risks, and
become involved in their resolution.

Managers

All personnel

6.

Overview

Manual tasks involve an interaction between a person and the task demands, which may include
the tools and equipment used, the layout of the work area and work organisation.
Manual tasks can contribute to a number of musculoskeletal disorders including, but not limited to;

Strains and sprains of muscles

Injuries to muscles, ligaments and other structures in the back
Injuries to soft tissues such as nerves, ligaments and tendons in the wrists, arms and
shoulders

Musculoskeletal disorders occur in two ways;

7.

Gradual wear resulting from frequent or prolonged periods of muscular effort. This type of
wear is usually associated with repeated or continuous use.
Sudden damage resulting from intense or strenuous activity.

Risk Factors

Risk factors associated with manual tasks fall into 3 categories

1)

Direct Stressors These factors stress the body directly and can include the force exerted,
working postures, repetition, vibration and task duration

2)

Contributing Risk factors These factors relate to the way the task is conducted and include
work area layout, tooling, the nature of loads and the way a load is handled. The design of these
factors can influence the impact of a direct stressor

3)

Modifying Risk Factors These relate to the individuals capacity and task organisation. These
factors can influence the outcome of a manual task. Individual capacity relates to a specific
persons ability to conduct a task E.g. Previous injuries and physical size are both factors that
may determine a persons suitability to complete a given task. Task organisation relates to how a
task is completed and may include factors job rotation, adequacy of tooling and work pace

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Risk Management

The risk of a musculoskeletal injury or aggravation comes not just from the characteristics of the
object being handled but also from the way it is handled, the work environment and the
repetitiveness or frequency of the manual handling. It is therefore imperative that manual handling
tasks are risk assessed prior to being undertaken.
A SLAM is generally sufficient for common manual handling tasks conducted either individually or
in small groups. Higher risk tasks that cannot be adequately controlled by the SLAM process
require a more detailed and comprehensive risk assessment.

8.1.

Risk Identification

Identification of the risks associated with manual handling can be undertaken by;

8.2.

SLAMs Stop, Look, Assess, Manage

Risk Assessment
Safe Work Method Statement
Consultation with Employees and Contractors
Direct observation
Audits
Incident reports and investigation

Risk Assessment

Manual tasks shall be risk assessed;

Prior to manual tasks being undertaken

Before introducing or modifying a manual handling process
Prior to the purchase of new plant or equipment that involves manual tasks
After a manual handling injury has occurred

Manual task risk assessments should give consideration to the following ergonomic and other risk
factors;

Actions and movements

Workplace design / layout
Working posture and positioning
Duration and frequency
Location of loads and distances to be moved
Weights and forces
Characteristics of loads and equipment
Task organisation
Workplace environment
Skills, training and experience of the individual conducting the task
Individual characteristics
Clothing worn
Other relevant factors

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Implement Controls

Risk control measures shall be selected as per the Hierarchy of Controls detailed in the Risk
Management Procedure with the view to eliminate risk where it is reasonably practicable to do so.
Higher order control measures shall be considered in preference to lower order control measures
where elimination of the risk proves to be unreasonable or impracticable
When implementing control measures consideration shall be given to ensure that the control does
not introduce any additional hazards.
Manual task can be controlled using the Hierarchy of Control process which may include, but are
not limited to;

Elimination Remove the need for manual handling

Substitution Modify the object E.g. reduce the packaging size
Isolation Utilise mechanical lifting aids
Engineering Modify the workplace layout
Engineering Redesign the task
Engineering Utilise specialist tooling E.g. low vibration tooling
Engineering Team lifts
Administration Personnel competent in correct manual techniques
Administration Task specific training

Appendix A contains a ten step guide to safe manual handling for tasks that cannot be modified to
eliminate manual handling. A guide to both sitting and standing for prolonged periods is also
attached in Appendix B.
Figure 1 contains the risk management process for manual tasks. This is directly from the
Hazardous Manual Task Code of Practice 2011.

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PR0070 Manual Handling

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Figure 1 Risk Management Process for Manual Tasks

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PR0070 Manual Handling

Procedure

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Related Documents

Internal

Risk Management Procedure

10. Learning Activities

DBCT P/L employees and nominated contractors have been identified in the Learning Catalogue
to participate in related learning activity. One of the learning activities identified is to read and
understand the relevant procedure.

11. Records
Learning Records
Learning and Development is responsible for the recording and maintenance of all relevant
records relating to Manual Handling learning activities.

12. Appendices
Appendix A 10 Step Guide to Safe Manual Lifting
The following Ten Step Guide contains general principles for the safe manual lifting of objects.
1.

Assess the load and plan the lift

To do this, assess what you are lifting and decide where and how you are going to move it. Assess
if you can lift it by yourself, or with another, or if manual handling can be eliminated by use of
mechanical devices. Ensure that the load or its contents can not move during the lift.
Ideally, lifting should occur at mid-thigh to shoulder height. Avoid unnecessary bending or reaching
and eliminate twisting. Ensure there is a clear path to your destination and a suitable place to put
the load down.
2.

Get close to the load

Position yourself as close to the centre of the load as possible. If the load is on a bench, pull it
closer towards you. This will minimise strain on the back while lifting, and enable you to use your
strongest arm muscles to hold the load.
3.

Place feet apart for balance

Place your feet apart to make sure your body posture is evenly balanced. If the load is positioned
below waist height, straddle it if possible before lifting.

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Relax the knees

To begin the lift, gently relax your knees to get down close to the load.
5.

Lower your body and bend your knees

Lower your body, bending at your knees. Preferably, your knees should not be bent beyond right
angles. Bend your back slightly, if necessary.
6.

Lower your head

Lower your head to look at the load you are lifting.

7.

Get a firm grip on the load

Grip the load securely and comfortably with both hands. Use your whole hand, rather than just
your fingers. A firm grip should help pull the load closer, as well as support its weight. Pull the load
as close to your body as possible.
8.

Raise your head

Gently raise your head upwards. This will help you position your back correctly, and ensure that
your arm and leg muscles take most of the load.
9.

Straighten your legs

Straighten your legs and lift slowly and smoothly, minimising the use of your lower back. Keep the
load close to your body while lifting.
10.

Lift and turn your feet

After lifting the load, turn your feet, then your body in the direction you wish to walk. Avoid twisting
your body while carrying out the lift.

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Appendix B Sitting and Standing for Prolonged Periods

If you stand to work, you must consider the work surface that you are standing on and your work
surface height. The ideal posture is one that allows your spine and neck to remain in an upright
position.

Light work is best performed at elbow height.

Heavier work is best performed below elbow height.

If you need to sit for long periods, correct posture will help you feel comfortable and avoid back
and neck strain.
Points to remember:

Sit well back in your chair. This tilts the pelvis forward and helps hold the spine upright.
Sit upright but do not force sitting up too straight or stiff.
Avoid C shaped spine.
Use back support if you require more lumbar support.
Every hour get up and stretch for a moment

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