Manual handling
Manual handling training courses
Training can be arranged and tailored for your work area. Contact Injury Management and Wellbeing.
Manual handling occurs in all workplaces and is associated with tasks that involves using the body to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing.
Body postures involved in manual handling in isolation may not present a high risk, however the risk increases depending on if the tasks require
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Long duration
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Heavy load
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High or sudden force
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Sustained or awkward postures
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Repetitive movements
Most injuries associated with hazardous manual handling are musculoskeletal injuries. Such injuries account for 90% of serious workers compensation claims with back and upper limb injuries being the most common ones.
Risk of injury increases with age.
Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks published by WorkSafe WA could assist with identification and management of manual handling tasks at workplace that pose a risk of an injury.
UWA's requirements
- Schools and business units are required to develop and document a manual handling risk management plan in consultation with staff. Support is available from Injury Management and Wellbeing or UWA Safety to assist in worksite assessments and manual handling training
- Staff are required to complete a UWA Safety Induction. In addition the local area should provide manual handling training for their staff if they are required to perform hazardous manual handling tasks.
- In situations in which staff are required to perform new or unfamiliar manual handling tasks, supervisors and managers must assess the risk and implement risk control strategies. For example, provision of training for staff who are required to assist with office relocation.
For further information, please contact Injury Management and Wellbeing (for staff only) or Health, Safety and Wellbeing.