What is Manual Handling and what does the law say?
Manual handling is any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold, restrain any animate or inanimate object. This also includes repetitive movements. Depending on your industry, Manual Handling injuries account for approximately 70% of all injury claims for compensation.

The law requires employers to implement methods of reducing this figure by reducing the need for manual handling processes within the business. Although, this is done through a risk assessment process, there are a number of simple ways to deal with this issue; for instance, introducing trolleys in place of carrying items, using a forklift instead of a team lift, or providing overhead cranes.

Even when you have made the changes by introducing equipment, there may still be some risk present. If this is the case, you will need to suitably train employees in safe manual handling techniques as well as on the new equipment. You will also need to provide adequate supervision to ensure employees remain working safety and correctly. 

How do I know if I have hazardous Manual Handling tasks at my workplace?
If you have hazardous manual handling tasks in your business, you should be able to identify them by using the hazard identification forms on the website of your workplace safety authority.

Can I get help? 
Yes. With the cost of manual handling injuries it could be cheaper in the long term to engage an external consultant from our Business Directory to provide you with the right advice so you can get it right first time.  You may also need training and materials handling equipment.

Is there any free guidance material I can read on Manual Handling?

Click on the link below for useful information?

Australian Capital Territory
www.ors.act.gov.au