Improve the safety and efficiency of activities
Our Happy Health consultants can work with individuals or worker groups to develop a process that can help them adapt their movements to any given situation to improve the safety and efficiency of the activity.
Benefits of manual handling
- Reduce work-related injuries and conditions
- Create a safer, more comfortable environment
- Increase manual handling awareness
- Improve task efficiency and productivity
- Lower future workers’ compensation claims
- Meet your legislative requirements
Common risk factors
- Repetitive movements – assembly line work
- Forceful exertions – Lifting heavy boxes or equipment, pushing or pulling heavy carts and trolleys, tightening bolts and screws
- Awkward postures – Bending or twisting to reach objects, sitting or standing for long periods
- Incorrect lifting – Lifting objects with your back bent and not using your legs, overreaching to lift objects that are too far away
- Lack of training – Lack of awareness of ergonomic principles, not shown proper handling techniques
Our 5 basic principles
We use five basic guidelines or ‘rules of engagement’ for working out successful manual handling actions:
Stance
Feet apart and well-balanced for the action.
Posture
This is about maintaining the back in its ‘neutral’ position throughout the whole action. It’s especially important when handling loads or forces. The back should not ‘bend’ through the upper or lower back. Leave the bending for the hips and knees.
Leverage
Avoid reaching out away from the body in any direction. Use your legs to get closer to the object or load.
No twisting
Use the legs to avoid any twisting of the trunk. The body can rotate using legs but is not efficient (or safe) twisting on its own axis.
Timing and pacing
If the action and load can be fully controlled at all times, it’s unlikely to cause damage to either the body or the object or load being handled.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about our manual handling support.
What is manual handling?
The term manual handling refers to the act of a worker moving or using most of their body to produce the actual work function. It can include lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects. A manual handling procedure defines the safest and most efficient use of the body to perform these particular work actions.
How do we know what type of manual handling training we need?
To determine the type of manual handling needed, you need to consider the physical demands of different job roles in your organisation and evaluate current work practices, tasks, and equipment used to identify risks and areas where improvements are needed. You also need to be aware of current legislation and standards to ensure you’re currently compliant. We can complete this complex, time-consuming process for you through Job Analysis.
How are ergonomics and manual handling training delivered?
Manual handling training can be delivered in a variety of ways. This includes posters, brochures, newsletters, videos, training sessions, active demonstrations on-site, safe working instructions and active safety controls. Training is most effective when it is introduced and demonstrated across the entire business.
Is manual handling training legally required?
Yes, as part of WHS duty of care (Model WHS Regulations Part 4.2), PCBUs must train workers on hazardous manual tasks when higher controls like redesign or aids aren’t fully practicable.
Who needs manual handling training?
All workers involved in physical tasks (warehousing, healthcare, construction); mandatory for high-risk roles, with refreshers after incidents or process changes.
How often is refresher manual handling training needed?
Annually, or sooner after workplace changes, injuries, or new equipment, ensures ongoing compliance and behavioural reinforcement.
What are employer obligations with manual handling?
Consult workers, provide training alongside controls (e.g., trolleys), maintain records, and integrate into safety systems as per individual Australian state codes.
