PErforM for work teamsInsert presenters names and titles

Manual tasks

Manual tasks risk factors

DVD- No sprains, big gains

Meaning of hazardous manual task

“Means a task that requires a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing that involves one or more of the following:

(a)repetitive or sustained force

(b)high or sudden force

(c)repetitive movement

(d)sustained or awkward posture

(e)exposure to vibration.”

[Schedule 19 - Dictionary]

Manual tasks related injuries

• Single, one off exposure:

– due to maximum exertion or over load incident

– quite rare.

• Repeated exposure:

– ongoing wear and tear

– variety of risk factors

– more common.

• Combination of both of the above.

Risk factors: Force

• Greater force - greater risk.

• Speed and jerk.• Factors that

increase effort.

Risk factors: Working postures

• Awkward.

• Static.

Risk factors: Mechanical vibration

• Whole body vibration– vibration is

transmitted through the whole body

• Hand/arm vibration– vibration is

transferred to the hand/arm via eg use of a vibrating tool

Risk factors: Duration• Time taken to perform the

task once or repeatedly without a break.

• Amount of time exposed to a risk factor.

Photos: Daryl Dickenson

Risk factors: Repetition

• Short cycle time < 30 seconds.

• Continuously for one hour.

PErforM risk assessment tool

Worksheet 1 - Manual tasks risk assessment form:

• Date of assessment and location.

• Risk assessors.

• Task description.

Worksheet 2 - Risk factor assessment

Risk factors:• exertion• awkward posture• vibration• duration• Repetition.

Body map:• body part.

PErforM risk assessment tool

Neck

Upper back

Elbows

Wrists/hands

Knees

Ankles/feet

Shoulders

Lower back

Hips/thighs

Lower legs

Body map

PErforM task - worksheet 2

Scenario – lifting lid on pre-heater box

Worker exerting force and awkward postures to lift the lid on the pre-heater.

Lid was: • catching on the lip of the pre-heater resulting in forceful jerky movements • heavy and awkward to lift.

Risk assessment - before

PErforM team control measure

• Sun Metals reduced the forceful exertions and awkward postures by repairing the lid so that it no longer caught on the lip of the pre-heater.

• By putting a hinge down the middle of the lid it can easily be opened from each side.

Pre-heater with lid cut in half and hinges installed.

Worker opening pre-heater with lid cut in half and hingesinstalled.

Case study - control

Elimination

Engineering

Hierarchy of control

Elimination

Work teams are trained to use control the hierarchy to eliminate or reduce risk

Hierarchy of control

Substitution

??

Isolation

Administration

•J ob rotation• Change of workflow• Task specific training• Preventative maintenance program• Personal protective equipment

Team lift

Risk controls

Developing control ideas:• link the control to the risk factor• consult with workers and others• look for different ways• look at similar tasks for ideas• find out what are others are doing• talk to suppliers• trial before implementation.

Focus controls on sources of risk:

• Change design or layout of work areas.• Changing the nature, size, weight or

number of persons, animals and things handled.

• Systems of work.

• Work environment.

Work area design / layout

Good design includes:

– suitable working heights

– adequate space

– frequently used items

in easy reach

– adjustable to suit all workers.

Changing the nature, size, weight or number of persons, animals and things handled

Consider:

– load handling

– tools and equipment

– maintenance.

System of work

• Guidelines include:– control work load– suitable work pace– task variation– maintenance schedules– match task demands with workers’ capability– training.

Work environment

• Vibration exposure.• Cold conditions.• Heat and humidity.• Windy conditions.• Floors and surfaces.• Lighting.

• Consider: – short term– medium term– long term.

• Maintain ongoing communication and participation between workers, supervisors and managers.

Implementing controls

• To ensure:– controls are working effectively

– risk factors have been reduced

– another hazard or risk has not been created.

Monitor and review

Practical

Where to from here?

• Ongoing risk assessments.

• Communication with managers.

• Controls.