Performing hazardous manual tasks significantly increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (also known as MSDs or work-related MSDs (WMSDs)). In addition to being the leading type of workplace injury in Australia, MSDs cause pain and discomfort, and potentially long-term disability for affected workers. Effective workplace systems and controls to address manual tasks risk can significantly reduce risk of MSDs, and have the added bonus of making work safer, more productive, and easier to perform.

Hazardous manual tasks can be present in any job, and include any task that requires:

• Repetitive movements (e.g., typing or assembly line work)
• Lifting or handling heavy or awkward objects, people, or animals
• Awkward or sustained postures (e.g., bending, twisting, or reaching)
• Generating high or sudden force (e.g., pushing, pulling, or lifting)
• Exposure to vibration (e.g., from power tools or machinery)

Particularly hazardous tasks are those that include combinations of the above. Psychosocial factors, such as lack of job control, stressful environments, or high work demands, as well as the physical environment (e.g. poor lighting, or working in cold or hot conditions) can also increase risk, and should be considered in any hazardous manual task risk assessment.

Yes, they can be. MSDs can cause pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility, and may limit a worker's ability to work and function. In severe cases, MSDs may lead to long-term disability or require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation, leading to significant costs and quality of life impacts for the worker and their families. Employers also experience losses including reduced workforce capability, reduced productivity, increased workers compensation costs, reduced morale, and increased lost days.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the affected area
• Fatigue or weakness of muscles or joints
• Swelling or inflammation
• Reduced range of motion
• Numbness or tingling sensations

If these symptoms persist, they can lead to more severe health issues and long-term disability.

Preventing MSDs involves identifying risk factors and taking steps to reduce them. Common prevention measures include:

• Redesigning work areas and workstations to promote workflow and improved posture
• Providing mechanical aids to lift heavy objects
• Working with suppliers to obtain smaller, better designed loads for handling
• Using ergonomic tools and equipment
• Encouraging regular breaks or task rotation to avoid repetitive movements
• Providing training on safe manual handling practices (note: whilst training is required, training alone will not sufficiently reduce MSD risk)
• Addressing workload or time pressure issues
• Ensuring work areas are clean and tidy
• Incorporating healthy lifestyle advice within OHS, HR or workplace wellbeing programs
• Introducing a participatory ergonomics program to empower workers to redesign their own work to be safer, comfortable, and more efficient.

Psychosocial factors, such as job stress, high workload, low job control, poor social support, and job dissatisfaction, can significantly contribute to the development of MSDs. These factors can increase muscle tension, reduce attention to proper work techniques, and lead to fatigue, all of which increase the risk of injury. Additionally, workers experiencing mental strain may be less likely to engage in safe work practices, further exacerbating the risk of MSDs. Addressing both physical and psychosocial factors is essential for a comprehensive approach to preventing and managing MSDs in the workplace.

In Australia, hazardous manual tasks are regulated under harmonised WHS laws, which require persons in control of a business or undertaking (e.g., employers) to manage risks associated with these tasks to prevent injuries such as MSDs. The harmonised WHS Regulations and Victorian OHS Regulations 2017 mandate that businesses must identify and assess hazardous manual tasks, and implement control measures to eliminate or reduce risk to as low as reasonably practicable. Access each regulation via our Legislation page for more information.

Safe Work Australia, as well as each Regulator also provide a Code of Practice (or Compliance Code for Victoria) providing detailed and accessible guidance on how to address hazardous manual tasks risks. Links to these can be found via each Regulators website, with some linked in the Resources section below.

Current best practice to address hazardous manual tasks risk is by adopting a participatory ergonomics approach to redesign work to eliminate or significantly reduce any requirement for hazardous manual tasks.

Participatory ergonomics involves workers in each work area, improving the design of their work and / or workplace, to better fit them. This method is excellent for addressing hazardous manual tasks risk and draws on the knowledge and experience of employees who perform tasks daily, ensuring that the solutions developed are practical, effective, and tailored to the specific and unique needs of the workforce. Most injury risk arises when there's a mismatch between a worker's capability and a task (or work area). You can't redesign a worker (that wouldn't be right! 😦) but you can redesign a task, work station or work area to be safer, comfortable, and much more efficient.

If you suspect you have a work related MSD, it’s important to:

• Report your symptoms to your employer as early as possible
• Seek medical advice from a healthcare professional - your Treating Medical Practitioner or Physiotherapist is a great place to start
• Follow any recommended treatment or rehabilitation plan
• Work with your employer to identify adjustments or changes that can help prevent further injury.

For guidance on hazardous manual tasks, refer to:

• Hazardous Manual Tasks Model Code of Practice - published by SafeWork Australia
• Each State and Territory Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice (all except VIC) - these are modelled off the Model Code of Practice (above), but may have their own additional guidance on hazardous manual tasks requirements. These can be found by visiting the WorkSafe website for the State or Territory the business operates in.
• Victorian Compliance Code: Hazardous Manual Handling - for Victorian businesses. This is available at WorkSafe Vic

We're also working on a guide, so stay tuned!! 😃