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

MANUAL HANDLINGINTERIM WORK PRACTICE (MEDIUM RISK)PREFERRED SOLUTION (LOW RISK)• Ensure trolleys are designed with wide wheels whichhave large diameters• Use spring lifters with turntables to reduce awkwardpostures, forward bending and reaching whenhandling productTrolley used to move cut lengths of timberto designated production areas.• When using stands or trolleys, implement a systemwhere wood product is stored in such a way thatdoes not require the operator to lift below kneeheight or above shoulder height• Use conveyors to move timber from one workstationto the next in the production processA spring lifter with a pallet ring in the photoabove minimises reaching and forward bendingfor the employee• Air tables fixed to plant and machinery help to reducethe force needed to move heavier piecesFixed roller conveyors used to transport timberbetween work stationsAir table uses compressed air and rollersto float the item so it requires a small forceto move heavy timber along it22 WORKSAFE VICTORIA / A GUIDE TO SAFETY IN THE WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY