Manual handling policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- maintain a safe and healthy work environment
- address any workplace factors which may increase the risk of injuries.
Scope
Applies to all workers including client, subcontractors, apprentices, employees, and contractors at PEER Construction.
Manual handling
PEER Construction has implemented a ‘minimal lift’ policy within this organisation. The implications of this policy are that workers are required to avoid manual handling whenever possible and if not possible to avoid utilising mechanical assistance whenever possible to undertake hazardous manual tasks.
To meet its obligations under the ‘minimal lift’ policy PEER Construction will implement actions including:
- Thorough risk assessments of all identified hazardous manual tasks.
- Provision of suitable lifting equipment for hazardous manual tasks.
- Development of safe work procedures both client specific and generic, to outline how to undertake the hazardous manual tasks safely.
- Training of employees in manual handling principles and how to undertake the safe work procedures.
- Encourage reporting of any manual handling incidents or hazards.
- Investigation of all incidents where warranted.
Manual handling techniques
If you are required to do any manual lifting, you must implement safe lifting techniques:
- Know exactly where you are going to move the object to before lifting anything.
- Check the pathway is free from any obstructions and that the walking surface is in good condition.
- Adopt a stable position with feet apart and one leg slightly forward to maintain stability.
- Make sure that you are wearing suitable footwear.
- Get a good hold on the load and hug it close to your body where possible. Bending at the back, knees and hips at the start of the lift, is preferable to fully bending the back or squatting.
- When carrying, keep the load close to your waist for as long as possible. Put the heaviest side of the load closest to your body. Keep your head up and look ahead, not down at the load, and avoid twisting or leaning sideways.
- If you need to, put the load down and adjust your grip before continuing the lift.
Managers responsibility
- Developing and monitoring this policy.
- Ensuring that manual handling risk assessments are completed for all identified hazardous manual tasks in consultation with workers undertaking the activities unless a known control exists.
- Implementing manual handling risk control strategies.
- Developing safe work procedures.
- Ensuring that equipment is available and well maintained.
- Providing adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision to workers on the risk of manual handling, safe work procedures and the safe use of equipment provided.
Employees responsibility
- Cooperating with the employer in the identification of any manual handling hazards and implementation of manual handling controls.
- Following safe work procedures.
- Using equipment provided for manual handling.
- Attending training as required.
- Reporting any manual handling incidents.
Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
Environment Protection Act 1993
Version 1.0 – Last updated 6/2/2022