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

MANUAL HANDLINGREMOVAL OF RAW MATERIAL FROM STORAGERaw materials are taken from the storage area and moved throughto the beginning of the manufacturing process.Does the work involve any of the following?HIGH RISKTICKPushing or pulling objects that are hard to move or stop, e.g. handling timber from the top of a storage rackExerting high force while in an awkward posture, e.g. handling heavy material from the groundRepetitive bending of the back more than 20 degrees, e.g. reaching into racking to handle timberINTERIM WORK PRACTICE (MEDIUM RISK)PREFERRED SOLUTION (LOW RISK)• Use mobile steps and height adjustable trolleys toremove timber from racks• Use appropriate storage locations• Storage should occur within the ‘best working zone’– between shoulders and knees – wherever possible• Keep floors clean, smooth and well maintained• Use of appropriate hand trolleys• Install custom designed racking systems somaterial can be moved by forkliftCustom designed storage rackingfor raw materialsTrolley used for moving lengths of timber toproduction line• Load timber on mobile trolleys in storage location18 WORKSAFE VICTORIA / A GUIDE TO SAFETY IN THE WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY