Hazards
Sprains and Strains: Manual Handling
Manual handling means the use of force by a person to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise restrain any object. It is more than just lifting or carrying something. Manual handling includes pulling a lever, restraining an animal or using a tool or instrument, even working at a computer! Injuries due to manual handling, sprains and strains, are the most common injuries suffered by workers across all workplaces, and in all industries. They are also are responsible for 55 per cent of all WorkCover claims, and 70 per cent of claims over 1 year's length. Ergonomics and manual handling were the top hazards identified by health and safety reps in the national ACTU survey done in September 2001. This is despite the fact that Victoria has had regulations and a code of practice for manual handling for over 14 years.
FAQs
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Weight limits - what are the legal limits for lifting?
The short answer to this is "There aren't any" - Read more. [read more]
Hazard
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Vibration
Many types of machinery and equipment generate intense vibration - a hazard to workers.
[read more] -
Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are the most common injuries suffered by workers across all workplaces, and in all industries. [read more]
Item
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Sprains and Strains - more information
More information and useful resources on Manual Handling and sprains and strains. [read more] -
Job rotation - what is it, and can it be useful?
Job rotation involves rotating jobs between workers as a way of controlling manual handling risks. [read more] -
Back braces and lifting belts
Back braces and lifting belts - do these protect workers from injury?
[read more]
Sometimes doctors or other qualified people prescribe these to assist people recovering from injury. -
RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) - What is it?
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an umbrella term for a number of overuse injuries affecting the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and nerves) of the neck, upper and lower back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands. [read more] -
Backaches - what can be done to prevent them?
Back injuries, strains and sprains, sore arms, shoulders and wrists – manual handling injuries which are amongst the most common injuries suffered by workers across Victorian workplaces. [read more]
Attachment
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Participative Ergonomics - A blueprint
A NSW WorkCover guide to implementing Participative Ergonomics in workplaces; has steps, tips and progress indicators to assist development of knowledge and skills needed to create a successful and sustained workplace ergonomics program. [download]