HAZARDOUS MANUAL TASK GUIDELINES

Hazardous manual tasks mean more than just lifting or carrying something. The term “hazardous manual tasks” is used to describe a range of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining an object, animal or person. It also covers activities which require the use of force or effort such as pulling an IRB start cord.

Up to one third of all work injuries in Australia occur during hazardous manual tasks. Most of the reported accidents involving manual handling tasks cause back injury although hands arms and feet are also vulnerable. Sometimes the person injured never fully recovers or requires a long period of rehabilitation before they are able to work again.

Many hazardous manual task injuries build up over a period rather than being caused by a single handling incident. These injuries occur wherever people are at work – on farms and building sites, in factories, offices, warehouses, hospitals, banks, laboratories, while making deliveries and on beaches!

HOW CAN HAZARDOUS MANUAL TASK INJURIES OCCUR:
Risk of hazardous manual task injuries can arise when tasks are poorly designed or where handling involves awkward or constrained postures. These conditions can make it difficult for you to use good handling techniques.

Some examples of actions that may cause hazardous manual task injuries are:
• Carrying a patient out of the water on soft sand or uneven and slippery rocks;
• Sitting with a poor posture for a long period of time in a surveillance chair; and
• Moving and carrying IRB’s and motors, often up steep slopes;

RISK MANAGEMENT:
The national standard for hazardous manual tasks requires that all tasks in your workplace which involve manual handling are identified and that the risk or likelihood of injury is assessed. Where there is a risk of injury, suitable “control measures” must be introduced. Control measures need to be suitable and practical.
They might include:

• Redesigning the task where something needs moving;
• Providing mechanical handling devices such as hoists or trolleys;
• Safe work procedures such as team lifting; or
• Specific training for particular handling tasks.
  

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTROLLING THE RISKS
We all have a responsibility for promoting a safe working environment. You should discuss anything which could be a manual handling risk in your club/working environment with your supervisor/club captain/club safety officer and/or chief instructor to determine the best way of eliminating or reducing the risk of injury.

GENERAL:
This procedure sets out general guidelines to be followed by all members. Wherever you are exposed to the possibility of risks from the manual handling of loads you should ensure that, if that risk cannot be avoided, a competent person carries out a suitable and sufficient assessment of all such manual handling operations to be undertaken by them. Never attempt to lift or carry any heavy loads alone, especially patients or survivors. You should also co-operate when assessments are undertaken and attend any training that is arranged.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
i. Promote a safe working environment;
ii. Follow the systems of work listed below that are laid down for your safety;
iii. Make proper use of equipment provided for your safety;
iv. Co-operate on all health and safety matters;
v. Consult your Club Captain if you identify dangerous handling activities;
vi. Take care to ensure that your activities do not put others at risk; and
vii. Avoid manual handling where possible i.e. can you take the treatment to the casualty and not vice versa.

WAYS OF REDUCING THE RISK OF INJURY:
i. Reduce the amount of twisting and stooping;
ii. Avoid lifting from floor level or above shoulder height;
iii. Where possible, reduce the carrying distances;
iv. Avoid repetitive handling;
v. Vary the work allowing one group of muscles to relax while another is used;
vi. Where possible, make the load lighter or less bulky;
vii. Adjust your grip to find the load easier to grasp, more stable and less damaging to hold;
viii. Remove obstructions to free your movement; and
ix. Where possible, avoid steps and steep ramps.

GOOD HANDLING TECHNIQUES:
1. Stop and think
Plan the lift. Where is the load to be placed? Use appropriate handling aids if possible. Do you need help with the load? Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials or debris on the beach. For a long lift such as floor to shoulder height, consider resting the load mid-way on a table or bench to change grip.

2. Position your feet
Feet apart, giving a balanced and stable base for lifting (unsuitable footwear might make this difficult). Leading leg as far forward as comfortable and if possible, pointing in the direction you intend to go.

3. Adopt a good posture
When lifting from a low level, bend the knees. Do NOT kneel or overflex the knees. Keep your back straight, maintaining its natural curve (tucking in the chin helps). Lean forward a little over the load if necessary to get a good grip. Keep the shoulders level and facing in the same direction as the hips.

4. Get a firm grip
Try to keep the arms within the boundary formed by the legs. The best position and type of grip depends on the circumstances and individual preference; but must be secure. A hook grip is less tiring than keeping the fingers straight. If you need to vary the grip as the lift proceeds, do it as smoothly as possible.

5. Keep close to the load
Keep the load as close to the trunk for as long as possible. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the trunk. If a close approach to the load is not possible, slide it towards you before trying to lift.

6. Don’t jerk
Lift smoothly, raising the chin as the lift begins, keeping control of the head.

7. Move the feet
Don’t twist the trunk when turning to the side 

TABLE 1. PATROL EQUIPMENT WHICH PRESENTS A HAZARDOUS MANUAL TASK HAZARD