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Procedure

Work Health and Safety

Hazardous manual tasks

Document number: PRO-00804

This document is the property of Seqwater. It must not be copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever without the authority of Seqwater. This document is uncontrolled when printed. An electronic database manages and stores the controlled version.

Rev no.

Description Process Owner Approved for issue

Position Name Signature Position Name Date Signature

4 APPROVED Manager, WHS

Joe Meissner

See Trim Ref D14/69885

CEO Peter Dennis

17/06/14 See Trim Ref D14/69885

Corporate Safety – ProcedureWHS Hazardous Manual Tasks

Contents

1. Purpose.......................................................................................3

2. Scope..........................................................................................3

3. Roles and responsibilities.............................................................3

4. Procedure....................................................................................44.1 Risks associated with manual tasks......................................................................44.2 What is a hazardous manual task?.......................................................................54.3 Managing hazardous manual tasks.......................................................................54.4 Identifying potential hazardous manual tasks.......................................................54.5 Hazardous manual task risk assessment..............................................................74.6 Risk controls for hazardous manual tasks...........................................................104.7 Implementing hazardous manual task risk controls............................................114.8 Reviewing hazardous manual task risk controls.................................................124.9 WHS risk registers...............................................................................................13

5. Training requirements................................................................13

6. Monitoring and audit..................................................................13

7. Record keeping..........................................................................13

8. References.................................................................................138.1 Legislation and other requirements.....................................................................138.2 Supporting procedures........................................................................................148.3 Supporting documents, forms and templates......................................................14

9. Definitions.................................................................................14

Appendix A - Hazardous manual task management process.................17

Appendix B - Hazardous manual tasks risk controls.............................18

Doc no. PRO-00804 Version date: 17/06/2014 Trim ID:Doc owner: Manager, WHS Doc approver: CEO, The Rev no. 4 of 22

The controlled version of this document is registered. All other versions are uncontrolled


1. PurposeSeqwater is committed to the health and safety of all people at the workplace. This procedure provides guidelines to effectively manage hazardous manual tasks within Seqwater workplaces.

This procedure supports the requirements described in Element 9 – Operational control of Seqwater’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) Management System Framework.

This procedure adopts and is consistent with the requirements outlined in:

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld) Hazardous manual tasks Code of Practice 2011 (Qld)

2. ScopeThis procedure applies to all Seqwater workers, business groups and work activities.

3. Roles and responsibilities

Role Responsibilities

Managers Manage the risks of hazardous manual tasks to their workers in accordance with this procedure.

Provide workers with resources to identify and manage hazardous manual tasks.

Provide communication, supervision, instruction and access to training in hazardous manual task management.

Line Supervisors Identify hazardous manual tasks and ensure they are assessed and managed in consultation with workers and health and safety representatives.

Implement and regularly review risk controls to mitigate the risks of hazardous manual tasks.

Provide workers with access to appropriate tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) to manage the risks of hazardous manual tasks.

Monitor workers to ensure tools and PPE being utilised to manage the risks of hazardous manual tasks are correctly used and maintained.

Ensure a Job Safety and Environment Analysis (JSEA) / Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is conducted and identified risk controls are implemented prior to commencing any work involving hazardous manual tasks.

WHS Team Provide advice, support and consultation on hazardous manual task identification and risk control implementation.

Conduct hazardous manual task discomfort surveys where required or requested.

Assist in the completion of hazardous manual task risk




Role Responsibilities

assessments.

Workers Follow any instructions in relation to hazardous manual tasks and the use of hazardous manual task management tools.

Conduct a JSEA/SWMS, identify and implement risk control measures prior to commencing any activity that may involve hazardous manual tasks.

Wear and maintain PPE as per training and instruction. Comply with PPE signage requirements. Attend relevant hazardous manual task training when

required. Report any concerns in relation to hazardous manual task

management to their line supervisor. Report any hazards to the Seqwater Incident Hotline (07)

3270 4040.

4. Procedure

4.1 Risks associated with manual tasks

Most activities at Seqwater workplaces involve carrying out some type of manual task using the body to move or hold an object. Manual tasks cover a wide range of activities including taking water samples, lifting equipment, undertaking pump maintenance and entering data into a computer.

Some manual tasks are hazardous and may cause musculoskeletal disorders. A musculoskeletal disorder means an injury to, or a disease of, the musculoskeletal system, whether occurring suddenly or over time. It does not include an injury caused by crushing, entrapment (such as fractures and dislocations) or cutting resulting from the mechanical operation of plant.

Musculoskeletal disorders include conditions such as:

sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons back injuries, including damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal discs,

nerves, joints and bones joint and bone injuries or degeneration, including injuries to the shoulder, elbow,

wrist, hip, knee, ankle, hands and feet nerve injuries or compression (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome) muscular and vascular disorders as a result of hand-arm vibration soft tissue hernias chronic pain.




Musculoskeletal disorders occur in two ways:

Gradual wear and tear to joints, ligaments, muscles and inter-vertebral discs caused by repeated or continuous use of the same body parts, including static body positions.

Sudden damage caused by strenuous activity, or unexpected movements such as when loads being handled move or change position suddenly.

Injuries can also occur due to a combination of these mechanisms, for example, body tissue that has been weakened by cumulative damage may be vulnerable to sudden injury by lower impact forces.

4.2 What is a hazardous manual task?

A 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 involving one or more of the following:

repetitive or sustained force high or sudden force repetitive movement sustained or awkward posture exposure to vibration.

These factors (known as characteristics of a hazardous manual task) directly stress the body and can lead to injury.

4.3 Managing hazardous manual tasks

A risk assessment process must be undertaken in accordance with the Hazard Identification and Risk Management Procedure (PRO-00657) to identify and manage the risks associated with performing hazardous manual tasks. This involves the following steps:

1. Identifying manual tasks that are hazardous.2. Assessing the risks of sustaining a musculoskeletal disorder from undertaking

the hazardous manual task.3. Implementing suitable risk control measures.4. Reassessing the risks of musculoskeletal disorders associated with the

hazardous manual task following the implementation of the risk control measures.

5. Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of risk control measures.

A summary of the hazardous manual task management process is included as Appendix A of this procedure.

4.4 Identifying potential hazardous manual tasks

The first step in managing risks associated with undertaking manual tasks is to identify those tasks that have the potential to cause musculoskeletal disorders.




Hazards that arise from manual tasks generally involve interaction between a worker and the:

work tasks and how the tasks are performed tools, equipment and objects handled physical work environment.

Consult with workersManagement of hazardous manual tasks must be undertaken in consultation with workers. Consultation ensures that all tasks and activities that contribute to worker discomfort are identified and that workers have the opportunity to provide practical suggestions or potential solutions to manage the manual handling risks.

In particular, it is important to consult with workers as early as possible when planning to:

introduce new tasks or change existing tasks select new equipment refurbish, renovate or redesign existing workplaces carry out work in new environments.

Workers who perform manual tasks can provide valuable information regarding discomfort, muscular aches and pains that can signal potential hazards. Workers should be asked to identify tasks that:

are difficult to do (or appear harder than they should be) are physically tiring (muscle fatigue reduces work capacity) are awkward or dangerous (for example, difficulty controlling loads) cause discomfort.

The Discomfort Survey Form (FRM-00603) may be used to assess the level of discomfort resulting from undertaking manual tasks.

Review available informationWhen identifying hazardous manual tasks, records of workplace near misses, injuries, incidents and associated reports should be reviewed to help identify which manual tasks may cause harm at Seqwater workplaces. Workers should consult with the WHS Team to access and review this information.

Not all hazardous manual tasks will be associated with reported incidents, therefore it is important to include other sources of information when identifying hazardous manual tasks.

Information and advice regarding hazardous manual tasks and risks relevant to particular industries and work activities may also be sought from regulators, industry associations, unions, technical specialists and safety consultants. Workers and line supervisors should consult with the WHS Team to access this information.

Look for trendsAssessing trends of near misses, injuries and incidents may show that certain tasks have more characteristics that make them hazardous or that some characteristics are more common in certain jobs.




Trends may also show that workers in a particular location are exposed to more hazardous manual tasks than in other areas, which could indicate a problem with the design and layout of that work area, or the way work is carried out there.

These trends may help in deciding which manual tasks should be addressed as a priority. Workers should consult with the WHS Team to access this information.

Observe manual tasksLooking at how people actually work and focussing on their postures and movements can also identify hazardous manual tasks.

When observing a manual task being undertaken, the following must be considered:

any changes that have resulted in new manual tasks or a changed environment tasks involving tools, machinery or equipment that do not work properly or are

difficult to use any improvisations made to tasks to avoid discomfort (such as stacking mats or

flattened cartons to stand on).

The Work Assessment Checklist - Manual Task (FRM-00605) may be used to support the identification of hazardous manual tasks.

Where a hazardous manual task is identified, a detailed hazardous manual task risk assessment must be undertaken.

4.5 Hazardous manual task risk assessment

A hazardous manual task risk assessment involves examining the characteristics of a task in detail to assess whether the forces, movements and postures are undertaken in such a way that they give rise to the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

A hazardous manual task risk assessment must be undertaken for any manual tasks that have been identified as being hazardous, unless the risk and risk controls are known (i.e. industry best practice).

A hazardous manual task risk assessment can help you determine:

which postures, movements and forces of the task pose a risk where during the task they pose a risk why they are occurring what needs to be done to stop them occurring.

When undertaking a hazardous manual task risk assessment the whole work activity must be examined from beginning to end to ensure all risk factors are identified. This allows the identification of different sources of risk and also identifies what elements of the work activity need to be changed to control the risks.

A hazardous manual task risk assessment must be undertaken using the Risk Assessment Worksheet - Manual Task (FRM-00604).

The WHS Team must ensure that any risks or risk controls identified as a result of undertaking a hazardous manual task risk assessment are captured in the Site WHS Risk Register or other relevant WHS Risk Register where the task is being undertaken.




4.5.1 Risk assessment team

As a minimum, a hazardous manual task risk assessment must be undertaken by a team consisting of:

a member of the WHS Team a worker who does the task the line supervisor who has control of how and when the task is done.

For some complex situations, expert or specialist advice may also be sought when conducting the risk assessment.

4.5.2 Assess similar risks

If a number of workers or work groups carry out very similar hazardous manual tasks, these tasks may be assessed together as a group instead of assessing each task individually. Grouped risk assessments for hazardous manual tasks will be facilitated by the WHS Team with participants invited to participate based on their knowledge and experience in undertaking the task being assessed.

Grouped risk assessments must only be undertaken if all the tasks are sufficiently similar and do not expose a worker to a different risk than if individual assessments were carried out.

4.5.3 Hazardous manual task risk factors

For manual tasks, risk factors are the elements of the task that increase the risk of sustaining a musculoskeletal disorder. The more risk factors or the more severe the risk factor, the more likely a musculoskeletal disorder will result from undertaking the task.

The following questions should be used to assess the risks associated with manual tasks. If any of the questions are answered ‘yes’ the manual task involves a risk of musculoskeletal disorder and further assessment is required to reduce risk to workers (i.e. identify appropriate risk control measures).

Question 1: Does the task involve any of the following: repetitive movement? sustained or awkward postures? repetitive or sustained forces?

As a general guideline, repetitive means that a movement or force is performed more than twice a minute and sustained means a posture or force is held for more than 30 seconds at a time.

Examples of postures and movements that pose a risk if they are repetitive or sustained are:

bending the back or head more than 20 degrees bending the back or head backwards more than 5 degrees or looking up twisting the back or neck more than 20 degrees working with one or both hands above shoulder height working with the fingers close together or wide apart




squatting, kneeling, crawling, lying, semi-lying or jumping.

The risk increases as the degree of bending and twisting increases. The risk is greatest when the postures and movements are extreme, that is, toward the end of the movement range, and when they feel uncomfortable for the worker.

Question 2: Does the task involve long durations?If a manual task involves postures, movements or forces that are repetitive and/or sustained, the duration of the task must also be assessed.

The duration of the task is how long the task is carried out over a whole shift or continually at any time during a shift. Tasks that continue over a long period of time or are repeated several times in a workday increase the risk of injury.

As a general guideline, long duration means the task is done for more than a total of 2 hours over a whole shift or continuously for more than 30 minutes at a time. The assessment must take into account that workers may use the same parts of the body to repeat similar movements when carrying out various tasks that are similar in nature over time.

Question 3: Does the task involve high or sudden force?High forces can cause musculoskeletal disorders even if they are not repetitive or sustained. This means that any task involving high force may be a risk, even if it is only done occasionally or for short periods. The longer and more often force is applied and the higher the force, the greater the risk.

The risk in tasks involving high force is related to:

the intensity of the force needed - forceful muscular exertions place high stress on the muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments and vertebral discs

the speed involved - fast movements (particularly if repeated) can injure muscles, tendons and ligaments. The rapid or sudden speed changes caused by sudden or unexpected movements are high risk

whether the force is jerky or sudden - forces suddenly applied or stopped can overload the muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments and vertebral discs. This can occur when throwing or catching loads, or when the load or item worked on moves unexpectedly (for example, when pulling up a fence post that suddenly comes free).

High and sudden forces are commonly associated with the handling of loads that are unstable, unbalanced or difficult to hold.

Question 4: Does the task involve vibration?Prolonged exposure to whole-body or hand-arm vibration increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other health problems. The degree of risk increases as the duration of exposure increases and when the amplitude of vibration is high.

Some examples of sources of vibration are:

driving, particularly on rough roads frequent or prolonged use of hand powered tools use of machines or tools where the manufacturer’s handbook warns of vibration workers being jolted or continuously shaken




use of a vehicle or tool not suitable for the environment or task.

4.5.4 Identifying sources of hazardous manual task risks

For each manual task risk factor identified, the following must be confirmed:

where in the task the risks are being encountered why each of the activities within the task is occurring what can be done to eliminate or mitigate the risk.

Addressing each of these points will provide the basis for how tasks or activities may be changed to eliminate or reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorder. For example, poor postures and movements may be due to the layout of the workplace, high forces may be due to the loads being handled, and the frequency and duration of the task may be due to the work organisation, limited staff numbers or increased work pace to meet tight deadlines.

The main sources of manual task risks are:

work area design and layout the nature, size, weight or number of things handled when performing the

manual task the way the manual task or activity is organised (i.e. the systems of work in

place, or work practices used, to undertake the work) the environment in which the manual task is performed (i.e. temperature,

humidity, wind, slippery surfaces, obstructions, lighting, etc.).

Refer to the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2011 (Qld) for further information regarding the main sources of manual task risks.

4.6 Risk controls for hazardous manual tasks

4.6.1 The hierarchy of control

The hierarchy of control must be used to select the risk control that most effectively eliminates or minimises the risk associated with a hazardous manual task.

Controlling hazardous manual task risks may involve using a single risk control measure or a combination of two or more different risk controls to allow the hazardous manual task to be undertaken safely.

Control measures should be aimed at eliminating or minimising the frequency, magnitude and duration of movements, forces and postures by changing the sources of risk: the work area, tool, load, environment, method of handling and/or the way work is organised.

The following table provides examples of control measures that may be implemented to manage the risks associated with hazardous manual tasks




Hierarchy of control Examples of risk control measures

Hard Controls

Elimination

Eliminating the hazardous manual task during design processes.

Automate the hazardous manual task (such as using remote controls).

Deliver goods directly to the point of use to eliminate multiple handling.

Substitution

Replace heavy items with those that are lighter, smaller and/or easier to handle.

Replace hand tools with power tools to reduce the level of force required to do the task.

Isolation Isolate vibrating machinery from the user, for

example by providing fully independent seating on mobile plant.

Engineering Use mechanical lifting aids. Provide workstations that are height adjustable.

Soft Controls

Administrative Rotate workers between different tasks. Train workers to use control measures

implemented when carrying out normal tasks.

Personal protective equipment

Ergonomic computer mouse/keyboard. Shock absorbent shoes for work on hard concrete

floors.

Refer to Appendix B for additional information on risk controls to be considered for Hazardous Manual Tasks.

4.7 Implementing hazardous manual task risk controls

Hazardous manual task risk controls may initially involve using short-term, interim measures while a long-term solution is developed (e.g. temporarily raising the bench height at a workstation until it can be replaced or altered permanently).

In order to implement the most effective hazardous manual task risk controls, the following should be considered:

allowing workers to trial solutions before decisions are made to make the solution permanent

reviewing risk controls after an initial testing period, as they may need modification

developing work procedures to ensure that risk controls are understood and responsibilities are clear

communicating the reasons for the change to workers and others providing training to ensure workers can implement the risk controls for the task

competently ensuring that any equipment used in the manual task is properly maintained.

Final decisions should not be made on the effectiveness of the risk control measures until sufficient time has passed for workers to adjust to the changes as




some modifications may require workers to use new muscle groups or different parts of the body and they may initially feel some discomfort.

Following the implementation of a new risk control method, frequent checks must be made with workers to gauge if risk controls are effective or whether further improvements are required.

4.8 Reviewing hazardous manual task risk controls

Risk control measures that have been implemented to manage the risk associated with hazardous manual tasks must be reviewed and, if necessary, revised to ensure risk controls are effective.

Hazardous manual task risk control measures must be reviewed when:

an injury or incident is reported control measures are no longer effective a new task is introduced to the workplace or an existing task is changed new plant or equipment is purchased workplaces are refurbished, renovated or redesigned work will be undertaken in new environments consultation indicate that a review is necessary requested by a health and safety representative.

Hazardous manual task risk controls must be reviewed using the same methods as utilised for the initial hazard identification process. Workers who undertake the hazardous manual task must be involved in the review. The review must consider the following questions:

Are the risk control measures working effectively in both their design and operation, without creating new risks?

Are workers actively involved in the risk management process? Are they openly raising health and safety concerns and reporting problems promptly?

Have new work methods or new equipment reduced physical strain or difficulty? Has instruction and training on hazardous manual tasks been successful? Is the frequency and severity of musculoskeletal disorders reducing over time? Is an alteration planned to any structure, plant or process that is likely to result in

a worker being exposed to a hazardous manual task? Has an incident occurred as a result of a worker being exposed to a hazardous

manual task? If new information becomes available, does it indicate current controls may no

longer be the most effective?

If problems are found, a new hazardous manual task risk assessment must be undertaken and additional risk controls identified.




4.9 WHS risk registers

The WHS Team must ensure that any risks or risk controls identified as a result of undertaking a hazardous manual task risk assessment are captured in the appropriate WHS Risk Register relevant for where the task is being undertaken.

5. Training requirementsTraining will be provided in accordance with the Training and Competency Management Procedure (PRO-01574).

Specific training requirements for workers undertaking manual tasks include:

all new workers being made aware of the risks of hazardous manual tasks during their induction, with on-going education and training programs provided on a regular basis

information regarding hazardous manual task management provided by line supervisors through toolbox talks.

6. Monitoring and auditThe application of this procedure shall be audited in accordance with the WHS Internal Audit Schedule and the Integrated Management System Internal Audit Procedure (PRO-00002).

A summary of audit and inspection findings will be reviewed at meetings of the Regional WHS Improvement Committees (RWHSIC) and the WHS Steering Committee (WHSSC) and presented for Management Review to the Executive Leadership Team and the Seqwater Board in accordance with the WHS Reporting Procedure (PRO-01605).

7. Record keepingAll records are to be retained, archived and disposed of in accordance with the Queensland State Archives General Retention and Disposal Schedule for Administrative Records. Additional guidance regarding mandatory record keeping requirements is provided in the WHS Record Keeping Matrix.

Any documents developed to support the identification, assessment and management of hazardous manual tasks must be saved in TRIM.

8. References

8.1 Legislation and other requirements

Description Status Location

AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational Health & Safety Systems - Specifications with guidance for use.

Active www.saiglobal.com/online





Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2011 (Qld)

Active www.saiglobal.com/online

Queensland State Archives General Retention and Disposal Schedule for Administrative Records

Active www.archives.qld.gov.au/Recordkeeping/RetentionDisposal/Pages/GRDS.aspx

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) Active www.legislation.qld.gov.au

Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld)

Active www.legislation.qld.gov.au

8.2 Supporting procedures


MAN-00211 Corporate Safety – WHS Management System Framework

Active TRIM Ref: D13/43216

PRO-01617 - Engineering Review and Approval Procedure

Draft

PRO-00657 Hazard Identification and Risk Management Procedure


PRO-00002 Integrated Management System Internal Audit Procedure


PRO-01605 WHS Reporting Procedure Active TRIM Ref: D13/70792

PRO-00867 Safe Work With Plant and Equipment Procedure


PRO-01574 – Training and, Competency Management Procedure


8.3 Supporting documents, forms and templates


Discomfort Survey Form (FRM-00603)


Job Safety and Environment Analysis / Safe Work Method Statement Template (TEM-00013)


Risk Assessment Worksheet – Manual Tasks (FRM-00604)


Work Assessment Checklist – Manual Tasks (FRM-00605)


WHS Record Keeping Matrix Active TRIM Ref: D13/70968



http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/




http://www.archives.qld.gov.au/Recordkeeping/RetentionDisposal/Pages/GRDS.aspx



http://www.saiglobal.com/online


9. Definitions

Term Definition

Hazard A situation that has the potential to harm a person and/or the environment and/or damage property.

Hazardous manual task A 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 involving one or more of the following: repetitive or sustained force high or sudden force repetitive movement sustained or awkward posture exposure to vibration.

These factors (known as characteristics of a hazardous manual task) directly stress the body and can lead to injury.

Hierarchy of controls Identify the risk control actions and responsibilities by identifying controls in the following specific order: Eliminate the hazard.If elimination of the hazard is not reasonably practicable, minimise the risk so far as reasonably practicable by: substituting (wholly or partly) the hazard giving rise to the

risk with something that gives rise to a lesser risk isolating the hazard from any person exposed to it implementing engineering controls.If a risk then remains, then minimise the remaining risk, so far as is reasonably practicable, by implementing administrative controls.If a risk then remains, then minimise the remaining risk, so far as is reasonably practicable, by ensuring the provision and use of suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Job Safety and Environment Analysis (JSEA)

A step-by-step method of identifying hazards, evaluating the risk, implementing control measures and providing a safe system of work.

Line Supervisor A Line Supervisor is a person with day-to-day supervisory responsibilities for workers within a functional area of the business. A Line Supervisor includes, but is not limited to, Team Leaders, Coordinators and Level 4 or 5 Supervisors. A Line Supervisor is also considered a worker, but has additional responsibilities for the implementation of the WHS Management System as identified in the WHS Management System and/or position description.

Manager A person with the responsibilities for managing a functional area of the business including the workers within the relevant functional area. This includes, but is not limited to, Level 3 Managers, General Managers and Project Managers. A manager is also considered a worker, however managers may have additional responsibilities for implementation of the WHS Management System as well as any additional responsibilities




Term Definition

as an officer of the business.

Musculoskeletal Disorder

An injury to, or a disease of, the muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons, whether occurring suddenly or over a prolonged period of time. It does not include an injury (such as fractures and dislocations) caused by crushing, entrapment or cutting resulting from the mechanical operation of plant or other injury.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Any clothing, equipment or substance designed to protect a person from risks of injury or illness.

Reasonably practicable The following criteria must be applied in determining what is reasonably practicable: What the person knows or ought to reasonably know about

the hazard and ways of eliminating or minimising the hazard. Availability and suitability of ways of eliminating or

minimising the hazard. The cost associated with the availability and suitability of

ways of eliminating or minimising the hazard, taking into account the cost if it is grossly disproportionate to the risk.

Risk Risk is the likelihood and consequence of injury or harm occurring when exposed to a hazard.

Risk control Means taking action to eliminate health and safety risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and if that is not possible, minimising the risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Eliminating a hazard will also eliminate any risks associated with that hazard.

Risk factors (manual tasks)

For manual tasks, risk factors are the elements of the task that increase the risk of sustaining a musculoskeletal disorder. The more risk factors or the more severe the risk factor, the more likely a musculoskeletal disorder will result from undertaking the task.

Worker Worker means a person who carries out work in any capacity for Seqwater, including work as: an employee a contractor or subcontractor an employee of a contractor or subcontractor an employee of a labour hire company who has been

assigned to work at Seqwater an outworker an apprentice or trainee a student gaining work experience a volunteer a worker of a prescribed class.

Workplace A place where work is carried out by Seqwater and includes any place where a worker goes, or is likely to be, while at work. This includes a vehicle, vessel or other mobile structure.




Appendix A - Hazardous manual task management processID

EN

TIFY

What is the manual task?Using the body to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move,

hold or restrain any equipment, plant or thing.

Is the manual task hazardous?

CO

NS

ULT

Application of force: Repetitive Sustained High Sudden

Posture: Sustained Awkward

Movement: Repetitive

Exposure to vibration

AS

SE

SS

What is the risk of musculoskeletal disorder? How often and how long are specific postures, movements or forces

performed or held? What is the duration of the task? Does the task involve high or sudden force? Does the task involve vibration?

CO

NS

ULT

What is the source of risk?

Work area design and

layout

Systems of work

Nature, size, weight and number of things

handled

Work environment

CO

NTR

OL

Is the task necessary? Can the source of the risk (work area layout, environment, etc.) be

changed? Can mechanical aids be used to perform the task? What training is needed to support the control measures? C

ON

SU

LT

RE

VIE

W

When an injury or incident is reported. When the control measure is no longer effective. If a new task is introduced to the workplace or an existing task is changed. When new plant or equipment is purchased. Where workplaces are refurbished, renovated or redesigned. When work will be undertaken in new environments. If the results of consultation indicate that a review is necessary. When requested by a health and safety representative.

CO

NS

ULT




Appendix B - Hazardous manual tasks risk controlsPurchasing to eliminate or minimise risk

Prior to purchasing equipment such as tools, containers, workstations, machinery or vehicles, an assessment must be undertaken to confirm if the item has been designed for safe operation and if it best meets the needs of workers undertaking the activity.

Where possible, the following should be undertaken:

Briefing of designers and engineers so that consideration can be given to the design implications of the manual tasks performed. Refer to the Engineering Review and Approval Procedure (PRO-01617) for additional information.

Liaising with manufacturers and suppliers about handling, delivery and storage requirements.

Purchase of ergonomically designed tools and equipment that suit the work being carried out and the physical characteristics of the workers.

A check of any vibration specifications.

When purchasing and hiring plant and equipment which is to be operated at a Seqwater workplace, the Safe Work with Plant Procedure (PRO-00867) must be followed to ensure safe plant and equipment is selected.

Changing the design of work areas

A well-designed work area will assist in eliminating or reducing the risk factors associated with a hazardous manual task, such as the degree of reaching, twisting or bending.

Workstation designWorkstations should be designed to allow workers to work in an upright position, with shoulders in a natural position (not elevated) and upper arms close to the trunk the majority of the time, without large reaches being required to perform routine tasks. Work surfaces should be easily adjustable to suit a range of workers and the tasks they perform.

Where it is not possible to provide adjustable workstations consider altering the design so that:

the workstation height suits the widest range of physical characteristics of workers reaching distances suit shorter workers knee and leg clearances suit larger workers.

Working heightsTasks with high visual demands should be performed above elbow height and work surfaces may need to be tilted, for example, for tasks involving delicate or precise manipulation.

Tasks where the hands make a narrow range of movements and can rest on the work surface should be performed at, or just above, elbow height. A sloping surface may reduce the amount of neck flexion required to perform desk-based tasks, such as drafting.

Light manipulative tasks or tasks involving the use of a keyboard should be performed at just below elbow height.




Tasks incorporating a range of arm movements using the shoulder should be performed at between hip and shoulder height.

Tasks requiring considerable muscular effort or use of the body for leverage (e.g. drilling at a workbench) should be performed at hip height and no higher.

Where possible, place items used in manual tasks so they are:

in front of the worker between waist and shoulder height close to the midline of workers and orientated towards the worker on the worker’s preferred side positioned within comfortable reaching distance positioned to avoid double handling and to avoid moving loads manually over long

distances.

Displays and controls should be positioned to encourage comfortable head and neck postures, comfortable hand and arm reach and efficient use. Consideration should be given to:

placing frequently used displays and controls, including keyboards and other input devices, directly in front of the worker

positioning controls at comfortable elbow height selecting electronic or foot controls rather than hand controls if high force is required placing pedals so that workers can operate them from a comfortable seated position.

Working positionWorkers should not remain in a seated, standing or otherwise static posture for prolonged periods. Design the workstation to provide opportunities for workers performing seated or standing tasks to vary their postures and movements.

For seated tasks, seating should have the following features:

adjustable seat height and angle a contoured backrest with a lumbar curve except those where the backrest would

interfere with the actions to be performed a swivel action to prevent the worker from twisting to reach workstation components rounded seat edges a five-point base with casters to allow movement on carpet, and gliders fitted to the base

for low-resistance flooring, where access to work items located beyond normal reach is required

a footrest or foot ring fitted on drafting or higher chairs to support the feet.

A seated work position is best for:

work that requires fine manipulation, accurate control or placement of small objects close visual work that requires prolonged attention work that involves operating a foot pedal.

Workers carrying out standing tasks should be provided with:

a chair, stool or support so that the worker can alternate between sitting and standing a footrest (large enough for the whole foot) to allow the worker to stand with either foot

raised




where possible, suitable floor covering to cushion concrete and other hard floors.

A standing work position is best when:

large, heavy or bulky loads are handled forceful movements are required reaching is required movements away from the working position are frequent there is no knee room there is limited space.

Work spaceWork areas should have enough space to accommodate the number of workers and other people involved in the task, any equipment that might be required and space to operate the equipment safely.

Changing the nature, size, weight or number of items handled

Handling loadsExamples of risk control measures that should be considered when handling loads include:

purchasing products in smaller loads for manual handling or larger loads to be shifted mechanically

reducing the size or capacity of containers using handheld hooks or suction pads to move loads such as sheet materials using grip devices adapted to the particular object to be carried.

Tools and equipmentHand tools should be designed to:

be held in a neutral wrist or handshake position allow the hand to retain a comfortable grip span be well-balanced (the heaviest part of the tool needs to be behind the wrist) be suitable for use by either hand provide a good grip surface prevent a worker from adopting a pinch grip with high force or for prolonged periods.

Minimise the level of muscular effort, particularly of the shoulder and wrist, needed to use hand tools by:

using power tools where possible suspending or supporting heavy tools where they are used repetitively and in the same

place counterbalancing heavy tools that are used repetitively and need to be kept away from

the body using trigger locks where the grip has to be sustained for more than 30 seconds holding the work piece in place with either jigs or fixtures selecting tools that produce the

least amount of vibration reducing impact shocks limiting torque or kick-back reactions.




Tools and equipment should be well maintained by carrying out regular inspections and servicing in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Using mechanical aids

Mechanical aids may eliminate or reduce the need for workers to lift, carry or support items, plant or equipment. Examples of mechanical aids are:

conveyors such as roller conveyors, elevating conveyors, belt conveyors, screw conveyors, chutes, monorails or trolley conveyors

cranes such as overhead travelling cranes, gantry cranes or jib cranes, stacker cranes, industrial manipulators and articulating arms

lifting hoists turntables springs or gas struts, mechanical devices such as hand winches, hydraulic pumps, and

battery powered motors forklifts, platforms trucks, tractor-trailer trains and pallet trucks lift tables, mechanical and hand stackers, lift trolleys, two-wheel elevating hand trucks,

and vacuum or magnet assisted lifters.

Mechanical aids should be:

designed to suit the load and the work being done as light as their function will allow adjustable to accommodate a range of users easy to use suited to the environment in which the task is performed located close to the work area so they are readily available but do not cause an

obstruction supported by a maintenance program to ensure they are safe and that the required effort

to use them is kept at the lowest possible level introduced with suitable instruction and training in their use.

When a mechanical aid is introduced into the workplace, adequate information, instruction, training and supervision must be provided to ensure that new arrangements do not introduce any additional risks to workers.

Pushing and pulling loadsPushing loads is preferable to pulling because it involves less work by the muscles of the lower back, allows maximum use of body weight, less awkward postures and generally allows workers to adopt a forward facing posture, providing better vision in the direction of travel.

Reduce the effort required to start the load in motion by:

using motorised push/pull equipment such as electric pallet jacks positioning trolleys with wheels in the direction of travel using large power muscles of the legs and whole body momentum to initiate the push or

pull of a load.

Reduce the effort to keep the load moving by:




using motorised hand trucks and trolleys that are as lightly constructed as possible and have large wheels or castors that are sized correctly and roll freely

using hand trucks or trolleys that have vertical handles, or handles at a height of approximately one metre

ensuring that hand trucks and trolleys are well maintained treating surfaces to reduce resistance when sliding loads for pushing, ensuring handles allow the hands to be positioned above waist height and

with elbows bent close to the body for pulling, ensuring handles allow the hands to be positioned below waist height allowing

workers to adopt a standing position rather than being seated so the whole body can be used.

Reduce the effort needed to stop the load by:

indicating the place where loads need to be delivered planning the flow of work encouraging workers to slow down gradually fitting brakes and speed limiters so speed can be controlled, particularly if there is a need

to stop quickly so as to avoid other traffic.

Rest breaksRegular rest breaks provide opportunities for workers to prevent the build-up of fatigue, or allow adequate recovery from the effects of fatigue during hazardous manual tasks.

The frequency and duration of rest breaks will be dependent on the nature of the task. Generally, the greater the force required, or the longer a posture is sustained the greater the required recovery time.

More frequent and shorter rest breaks are better for rest and recovery than fewer, longer breaks. Where practicable, short breaks should be built into task rotation arrangements where work is of a similar nature (e.g. prolonged use of hand tools).

Micro-pauses (very short intermittent breaks) in physical activity are also beneficial to reduce fatigue. Methods of incorporating micro-pauses into tasks and methods of work include:

workers put down hand tools or release them (suspension) between operations keyboard operators remove hands from keyboards during natural keying breaks staggering of manual tasks over the full work shift.



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