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(1) The purpose of this procedure is to outline the process for identifying, assessing, and managing hazardous manual tasks and ensuring workplace ergonomics at Southern Cross University (SCU) to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). (2) The purpose of this procedure is to ensure Southern Cross University’s management, employees, contractors, students, visitors and others are aware of the risks associated with hazardous manual tasks and workplace ergonomics in the workplace, management strategies and to provide advice on appropriate controls. (3) All employees, students and others including both independent contractors and contractors under SCU control are to be made aware of and follow this procedure. (4) This Procedure applies to all SCU Work Units and sites. The procedure aligns with WHS legislation in the relevant jurisdictions SCU operates in. (5) Hazardous manual tasks must be identified and assessed to implement effective risk control measures. (6) SCU is committed to consulting with employees to ensure their involvement in the identification, assessment, and management of hazardous manual tasks and workplace ergonomics as outlined in WHSMP07: WHS Consultation, Communication and Participation Procedure. (7) SCU will follow the risk management process outlined in WHSMP02: Hazard Identification, Risk and Opportunity Management Procedure, the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice (NSW) and Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice (Qld), which includes: (8) To assess the risk of a hazardous manual task, employees must use WHSMP02 - FOR - 07 - Hazardous Manual Task Risk Assessment Tool. (9) Some manual tasks are hazardous and may cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). (10) A hazardous manual task is a task requiring a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing involving one or more of the following: (11) Hazardous manual tasks can be identified through: (12) The term ‘force’ is used here to describe the amount of muscular effort required to perform a movement or task. Forceful muscular exertions overload muscles, tendons, joints and discs and are associated with most MSDs. (13) Repetitive force—using force repeatedly over a period of time. Examples of repetitive force include: (14) Sustained force—occurs when force is applied continually over a period of time. Examples of sustained force include: (15) It may be from the back, arm or leg muscles or by the hands and fingers. High force occurs in any task that: (16) Examples of high force include: (17) Sudden force—jerky or unexpected movements while handling an item or load. These movements are particularly hazardous because the body must suddenly adapt to the changing force. Tasks where force is applied suddenly and with speed also generate high force. Examples of sudden force include: (18) Examples of repetitive movement include: (19) An ideal posture is one where the body is in a neutral position with the: (20) Postures that are both awkward and sustained are particularly hazardous. Note: no one posture is suitable for all tasks or positions. Examples of sustained posture include: (21) Awkward posture — where any part of the body is in an uncomfortable or unnatural position, e.g.: (22) Examples of awkward posture include: (23) This may result in lower back pain, degeneration of the lumbar vertebrae and disc herniation. Examples of whole-body vibration include: (24) Hand–arm vibration occurs when vibration is transferred through a vibrating tool, steering wheel or controls in heavy machinery to the hand and arm. This can disrupt blood circulation in the hand and forearm and damage nerves and tendons. Localised vibration contributes to ‘vibration-induced white finger’ and ‘carpal tunnel syndrome’ through the gripping force needed to hold the vibrating tools (the tighter the grip, the more vibration is absorbed) and the repetitive shock loads of some tools. Examples of hand–arm vibration include: (25) If the risk is well known and controls are understood, it should be documented in Safe Work Procedures (SWPs). For unknown or uncertain risks, a risk assessment must be conducted using WHSMP02 – FOR – 07 - Hazardous Manual Task Risk Assessment Tool. (26) The risk assessment will determine: (27) Factors to consider in the risk assessment: (28) Sources of risk may include: (29) Aim to eliminate hazardous manual tasks and associated risks. If elimination is not feasible, controls must be implemented to minimise the risks. Control measures should focus on reducing the frequency, magnitude, and duration of hazardous movements, forces, and postures. Refer to Property Services Safe Work Procedure – Manual Handling for more information. (30) The hierarchy of controls should be used to determine appropriate measures: (31) Specific training should be provided for roles requiring awareness of hazardous manual tasks, including: (32) Control measures must be reviewed periodically and revised if necessary to ensure they remain effective. The review should consider: (33) Triggers for review include: (34) For more information on ergonomics at SCU refer to ‘Workplace Ergonomics’ on the SCU website for information including: (35) For training on ergonomics refer to the Scout Introduction to Manual Handling Training. Note that training in lifting techniques must not be used as the sole or primary means to control the risk of injuries. (36) Refer to WHS Responsibility and Accountability Statements. (37) The Vice Chancellor has the following WHS responsibilities: (38) Vice Presidents/Pro/Deputy Vice Chancellors have the following WHS responsibilities: (39) Heads of Work Units have the following WHS responsibilities: (40) Managers and Supervisors have the following WHS responsibilities: (41) All employees and others have the following WHS responsibilities: (42) All relevant documentation will be recorded and kept in accordance with WHS Legislation and other legislative obligations including: (43) This procedure will be reviewed as per nominated review dates or because of other events, such as: HRP08: Hazardous Manual Tasks and Workplace Ergonomics
Section 1 - Purpose and Scope
Section 2 - Definitions
Top of Page
Section 3 - General Principles
Consultation and Participation
Risk Management Process
Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD)
What is a Hazardous Manual Task
Identification of Hazardous Manual Tasks
Characteristics of Hazardous Manual Tasks
Force
Posture
Assessing the risk of Hazardous Manual Tasks
Controlling the Risks
Review of Control Measures
Ergonomics
Roles and Responsibilities
SCU Vice Chancellor
Vice Presidents/Pro/Deputy Vice Chancellors
Head of Work Units
Managers and Supervisors
Employees and others
Top of PageSection 4 - Records of Documentation
Top of PageSection 5 - Revision and approval history
Top of PageSection 6 - References
Top of Page
Section 7 - Related Documents