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

MANUAL HANDLINGUNLOADING FINISHED PRODUCTS FROM THE PRODUCTION LINEFinished product is often manually handled from the final stageof the production process and stored prior to distribution.Does the work involve any of the following?HIGH RISKTICKLifting, lowering or carrying heavy loads, e.g. handling the completed timber product from a work stationPushing or pulling objects that are hard to move or to stop, e.g. moving and manoeuvring timberframes from a work stationExerting high force while in an awkward posture, e.g. handling completed product into storage areasINTERIM WORK PRACTICE (MEDIUM RISK)PREFERRED SOLUTION (LOW RISK)• Use of height adjustable racking or conveyors tomove finished materials• Use of vacuum lifters to move productsExtendable or moveable conveyors can beused to help move completed products• Use of height adjustable trolleys to move productsto the storage location• Use of rollers on work stations to move productsto stacksVacuum lifter is used to load sofas into stillages• Use of lifting slings and overhead cranes whereappropriate within the workplace• Using appropriate load shifting equipment such asforklifts or walking stackers• Using appropriate racking systems for the product26 WORKSAFE VICTORIA / A GUIDE TO SAFETY IN THE WOOD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY