Manual tasks

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or repetitive work that can cause musculoskeletal injuries.

Also known as: Manual handling, Hazardous manual tasks, Lifting, Prolonged seating, Prolonged sitting, Sustained postures, Musculoskeletal disorder, Musculoskeletal disorders, MSD injuries, Musculoskeletal, Muscular stress, MSD, Rotational stress, Bursitis, Static posture, Prolonged standing, Repetitive and sustained tasks, Additional forces on the hand, arm or wrist, Overreaching

How to control manual tasks

Redesign the task to remove lifting, such as having materials delivered close to where they are needed.
Use mechanical aids such as trolleys, hoists, vacuum lifters and pallet jacks for heavy or awkward loads.
Order materials in smaller or lighter packs, and store heavy items between knee and shoulder height.
Set up workstations to avoid bending, twisting and overreaching, and provide adjustable seating for prolonged sitting.
Rotate tasks and build in breaks to limit repetitive movements and sustained postures.
Use team lifts for heavy or awkward items, and train workers in safe handling techniques.

Typical controls, most effective first. Your SWMS sets the controls for your own job and site.