PErforM for trainers Insert presenters names and titles

Workshop aim How to involve your own people in solving manual task problems.

Workshop outline Background: statistics and legislation. PErforM approach to manual tasks risk assessment. Manual task risk factors. Practical sessions using PErforM risk assessment tool. Implementing the program.

Statistics Musculoskeletal disorders account for around 65% of non fatal workers compensation claims, of these, approximately two thirds are a result of hazardous manual tasks. Highest risk occupations: labourers, machinery operators and drivers, technicians and trades workers, community and personal workers.

Musculoskeletal disorders Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs. MSD are caused by: –manual tasks –slips, trips and falls at level –hitting and being hit by objects.

Meaning of hazardous manual task “ Means a task that requires a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing that involves one or more of the following: (a)repetitive or sustained force (b)high or sudden force (c)repetitive movement (d)sustained or awkward posture (e)exposure to vibration.” [Schedule 19 - Dictionary ]

The legislation WHS Regulation 2011 –Hazardous manual tasks, chapter 4, section 4.2. Code of practice –Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice –Manual Tasks involving the Handling of People Code of Practice 2001.

What does the regulation say? “A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to health and safety relating to a musculoskeletal disorder associated with a hazardous manual task, under part 3.1”. [s60(1)] Part 3.1 describes using a risk management process

Some ways to manage the risk Management / OHS staff identify, assess and develop controls for hazardous manual tasks (Using COP, risk assessment tools etc). Consultant to assess and assist in developing controls (ergonomics). Use workers job knowledge to identify, assess and develop controls (PErforM). Combination of the above.

What is PErforM? Participative Ergonomics for Manual tasks simplified manual task risk management program based on a participative ergonomics approach internationally recommended approach for reducing musculoskeletal disorders.

Adapted from P.Vink et al. (2006). Applied Ergonomics participation of workers and ‘others’ management commitment and support site champion team training communication integrated in systems risk management evaluation control of manual tasks risks improved health, productivity and safety culture PErforM elements Outcomes

DVD - No sprains, big gains

PErforM risk assessment tool Worksheet 1 – Manual tasks risk assessment form Date of assessment and location. Risk assessors. Task description.

Worksheet 2 – Risk factor assessment Risk factors: exertion awkward posture vibration duration repetition Body map: body part PErforM risk assessment tool

Exertion How much force is the person using? – think about starting or stopping quickly 1 No effort 23 Moderate force & speed 45 Maximum force or speed Awkward posture How awkward is the person ’ s posture? 1 All postures comfortable 23 Moderately uncomfortable 45 Very uncomfortable Vibration How much are the whole body or hand(s) being vibrated? 1 None 23 Moderate 45 Extreme Duration How long is the action performed for? 1 less than 10 minutes 2 10 – 30 min 3 30 min – 1 hour hours 5 more than 2 hours Repetition How often are similar actions done? 1 No repetition 23 cycle time <30s 45 cycle time <10 s PErforM scale

Risk factor rating 1 No risk 2345 High risk

PErforM task - worksheet 2

Manual tasks related injuries Single, one off exposure: –due to maximum exertion or over load incident –quite rare. Repeated exposure: –ongoing wear and tear –variety of risk factors –more common. Combination of both of the above.

Risk factors: Force Greater force - greater risk. Speed and jerk. Factors that increase effort.

Risk factors: Working postures Awkward. Static.

Risk factors: Mechanical vibration Whole body vibration –vibration is transmitted through the whole body Hand/arm vibration –vibration is transferred to the hand/arm via eg use of a vibrating tool

Risk factors: Repetition Short cycle time < 30 seconds.

Risk factors: Duration Time taken to perform the task once or repeatedly without a break. Amount of time exposed to a risk factor. Photos: Daryl Dickenson

Scenario – lifting lid on pre-heater box Worker exerting force and awkward postures to lift the lid on the pre-heater. Lid was: catching on the lip of the pre-heater resulting in forceful jerky movements heavy and awkward to lift

Risk Assessment - before

PErforM team control measure Sun Metals reduced the forceful exertions and awkward postures by repairing the lid so that it no longer caught on the lip of the pre-heater. By putting a hinge down the middle of the lid it can easily be opened from each side. Pre-heater with lid cut in half and hinges installed. Worker opening pre-heater with lid cut in half and hinges installed.

Case study - control

Elimination Engineering Hierarchy of control Elimination Work teams are trained to use control the hierarchy to eliminate or reduce risk

Hierarchy of control Substitution ? ? Isolation

Administration Job rotation. Change of workflow. Task specific training. Preventative maintenance program. Personal protective equipment. Team lift

Why lifting technique training is not enough Evidence to date does not support lifting technique training on its own as a control for manual tasks risks. Risk factors are not changed.

Work example

What type of training is appropriate? Training should include information on: –manual task risk management –specific manual task risks and the measures in place to control them –how to perform manual tasks safely, including the use of aids, tools and safe work procedures –how to report a problem or maintenance issue.

Identify hazardous manual tasks Ask workers, walk through observations. change: –new manual task created –change to existing tasks, procedures, plant or equipment. Indications something is wrong: –workers report problems, increased error or decreased productivity. After an incident/injury.

Psychosocial / MSD link Physical health is interconnected to a person’s mental health. Therefore, workplaces should also manage work-related psychosocial hazards. For tools and resources refer to: –People at Work: –WHSQ web site: violence/index.htm

Frequently asked questions

Practical session Video case study. Use the PErforM risk assessment tool to: Identify risk factors (worksheet 1) Assess the risk (worksheet 2).

Video practical

Risk controls Developing control ideas: Link the control to the risk factor. Consult with workers and others. Look for different ways. Look at similar tasks for ideas. Find out what are others are doing. Talk to suppliers. Trial before implementation.

Focus controls on sources of risk: Change design or layout of work areas. Changing the nature, size, weight or number of persons, animals and things handled. Systems of work. Work environment.

Work area design / layout Good design includes: –suitable working heights –adequate space –frequently used items in easy reach –adjustable to suit all workers.

Changing the nature, size, weight or number of persons, animals and things handled Consider: –load handling –tools and equipment –maintenance.

System of work Guidelines include: –control work load –suitable work pace –task variation –maintenance schedules –match task demands with workers’ capability –training.

Work environment Vibration exposure. Cold conditions. Heat and humidity. Windy conditions. Floors and surfaces. Lighting.

Before After Unloading shipping container

Video practical

Prioritising for action High priority tasks: injuries have occurred serious consequences lots of complaints rated highly on risk assessment form performed by a lot of workers done a lot of the time.

Monitor and review To ensure: controls are working effectively risk factors have been reduced another hazard or risk has not been created engineering certification for new designs.

PErforM Training - discussion What are some different ways you might carry out PErforM training? Who might make up the PErforM team?

Program evaluation Measure nominated performance indicators. Positive indicators –proactive measures. Lagging indicators –compensation data –lost time injuries.

Potential benefits for business Effective controls. A positive impact on: –musculoskeletal symptoms –reducing injuries and workers compensation claims –a reduction in lost days from work or sickness absence. Meets consultation requirements and improves communication. Ownership of controls. Improved safety culture. Improved productivity.

Management leadership Management commitment to safety. Enforce procedures. Supportive and open to safety suggestions. Safety communication. Active involvement in safety. Due diligence requirements.

Video - Steve Qld Chamber of Commerce on management commitment to health and safety

Video - Adrienne Tracy, Ergonomics consultant, about what safety leaders did that resulted in better outcomes during a recent pilot program

Planning Management commitment. Appoint a PErforM champion. Develop implementation plan. Develop performance indicators.

Implementation plan Select a pilot work team / pilot site. Identify PErforM teams. Identify hazardous manual tasks. Obtain video footage. Training.

PErforM implementation Work team conducts risk assessments. Develop control ideas. Process for management to consider controls. Controls implemented. Ongoing process. Monitor and review.

Implementing controls cont. PErforM controls decision matrix. Injury cost calculator.Injury cost calculator

PErforM resources WHSQ workshops. Resource and trainers manuals. PErforM handbook. Web based resources and information from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website. Tool Box presentations.

Discussion - Where to from here? Decide if your workplace would like to use the PErforM program. Develop a plan of action.

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