2. 2

3. 3

4. 4 One of the most common type of workplace injuries is those incurred from manual handling. To prevent manual handling injuries an employer needs to consider:  Organisation of workflow  Job design  Job training  Eliminating heavy manual handling tasks  Decreasing manual handling tasks  Reducing stressful body movements  Improving environmental conditions

5. 5 Mechanical aids substantially lower the risk for back injury by reducing the worker's physical effort required to handle heavy objects. Mechanical aids could include:  Forklifts  Pallet trucks  Jib cranes  Lift tables  Cranes  Trolleys

6. 6 If mechanical aids cannot eliminate manual handling, then there are ways to decrease the manual handling demands:  Decrease the weight of handled objects  Reduce the weight by assigning two people to lift the load  Change the type of manual handling movement  Change work area layouts  Assign more time for repetitive handling tasks  Alternate heavy tasks with lighter ones

7. 7 To avoid twisting and bending injuries one should consider:  Providing a work level suitable to the worker's height  Eliminating storage methods that cause excessive bending  Ensuring sufficient space for the worker to turn  Locating objects within easy reach  Ensuring that there is clear and easy access to the load  Using lifting aids to lift/move loads without handles  Balancing contents inside containers  Using rigid containers  Balancing loads  Changing load shape so it can be handled closer to the body

8. Some general lifting rules are:  Prepare to lift by warming up the muscles  Stand close to the load, facing the way you intend to move  Use a wide stance to gain balance  Bend the knees  Ensure a good grip on the load  Keep arms straight  Tighten abdominal muscles  Tuck chin into the chest  Initiate the lift with body weight  Lift the load close to the body  Use legs not back muscles to lift  Lift smoothly without jerking  Avoid twisting and side bending while lifting 8

9. 9 Mechanical hazards are those associated with machinery, tool and equipment use. Injury from mechanical related hazards can be reduce if:  Training is provided and in some cases certification  Machinery/equipment is properly maintained  Safety devises are in place and operational  Areas around machinery/equipment is clean and accessible  All inoperable machines/equipment are fully disabled  Operators/users have suitable personal protection equipment

10. 10 To lessen the risk of injury when using machinery or equipment follow these guidelines:  Do not distract an operator  Do not wear loose clothing  Do not leave machines running unattended  Do not try and fix any machine unless qualified to do so  Do not remove any safety guard or mechanisms  Do not use rags near moving parts of machines  Do not use compressed air to blow debris from machines  Do not operate any equipment unless experienced to do so  Do not have ‘riders’ on equipment such as forklifts, etc.  Do not try and fix any mobile equipment unless qualified

11. 11 Proper shutdown procedures prevent damage to machines/equipment and prevent injury. The common steps would include:  All operators and employees advised  The machine is turned off  Switches are locked  The machine is tagged with safety tags  Power disconnected  Dissipate or restrain any stored or residual energy  Signs and barricades used  Safety tests are performed before repair, etc.

12. 12 Tool safety refers to both hand and power tools. General hand tool safety includes:  Keep all tools in good condition  Use the tool suited for the job  Do not force the tool General power tools safety includes:  Ensure all power cords are in good condition  Ensure the too is in good condition and well maintained  Use the tool suited for the job  Be trained to use the tool  Use proper personal protection

13. 13 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) protects worker’ eyes, ears, head, hands, feet and exposed skin. PPE protects workers from:  Noise  Fire, sparks, flames, etc.  Falling objects  Flying objects  Sharp objects  Environmental factors, sun, heat, cold, wet, etc

14. 14 Standard safety signs are used as an aid to:  Communicate information on hazards  Communicate the need for personal protective equipment  Communicate the location of safety equipment  Communicate the location of emergency facilities  Give guidance and instruction in an emergency

15. 15 Australian Standard 1319 - 1994 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment describe picture and text only safety signs. These include: Stop and Prohibition Danger Caution Emergency Information Mandatory

16. 16 Lock out tags are used for informing workers that the machine, tool, etc. is damaged, out of order and is unsafe to use.

17. 17