a guide to safety in the wood products ... - WorkSafe Victoria

MANUAL HANDLINGHazard identificationThis guide identifies some tasks performed in the wood products industry thatare hazardous and known to have resulted in MSD. This is not to be taken as thecomplete list of all tasks involving hazardous manual handling within this industry.Risk assessmentThis guide follows the risk assessment format used in the WorkSafe publicationManual Handling (Code of Practice No. 25, 2000). It helps indicate which riskfactors may be in your workplace and, in particular, demonstrates those high-riskwork practices which may put people at risk of developing MSD.The guide cannot replace the requirement for risk assessment and risk control,as the risk of developing MSD will vary depending on the circumstances in eachworkplace. To ensure a reduction in MSD, employers should review risks anddevelop and implement a plan for controls in consultation with employees.Risk controlRisk controls are shown in the guide. Under the Manual Handling Regulationsit is the duty of an employer to carry out risk controls including:1. eliminating the risk (e.g. redesigning so as to eliminate handling), or2. if it is not practicable to eliminate the risk, reduce the risk so far as isreasonably practicable.In either case, the risk can be controlled in any of the following ways:a. altering the workplace or environmental conditions (e.g. height adjustablework surfaces)b. altering the systems of work (e.g. regular maintenance on equipment,job rotation, etc)c. changing the objects (e.g. using hand tools that minimise hand-arm vibration)d. using mechanical aids (e.g. pallet lifters, adjustable trolleys, approvedforklift attachments).GENERAL PRINCIPLES• Postures, movements and forces that are knownto be associated with MSD should be eliminatedfrom the workplace where possible.• Physical changes to workplace design, layout andplant are more effective than administrative riskcontrols such as training.• To accommodate for different people and tasks,workstations should be quick and easy to adjust.• No employee should be required to routinely workabove their shoulder height or below their knees.• Keep loads close to the body.• Avoid extreme postures when exerting high force.• Reduce hand-arm vibration from power tools byselecting the appropriate tool, isolating vibration,reducing or dampening the tool’s vibration, orreducing the time exposed to it.GREEN - LOW RISKAMBER - MEDIUM RISKRED - HIGH RISKWORKSAFE VICTORIA / A GUIDE TO SAFETY IN THE WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY 17