SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT Part 1 Company Details Company Name: Contact Name, Position and Phone number:

: Address: Project details Project: Job Address: Job Description: Activity: Hazardous Manual Tasks (General Lifting) SWMS Approved by: Name: Signature: Date: Personnel responsible for monitoring and managing activity: Overall Risk Rating After Controls 4 Acute 2 Moderate 3 High 1 Low Page 1 of 13 Area: ABN:

Relevant workers must be consulted in the development, approval and communication of this SWMS Name: (Include names of workers who were consulted in relation to this SWMS) Signature: Job Title: Date:

ALL PERSONS INVOLVED IN TASK MUST HAVE THIS SWMS COMMUNICATED TO THEM PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING Regular inspections and observations will be conducted by ______________to ensure SWMS is being complied with. Daily Tool Box Talks will be undertaken to identify, control and communicate additional site hazards. Work must cease immediately if incident or near miss occurs. SWMS must be amended in consultation with relevant persons. Amendments must be approved by ______________ and communicated to all affected workers before work resumes. SWMS must be made available for inspection or review as required by WHS legislation. Record of SWMS must be kept as required by WHS legislation (until job is complete or for 2 years if involved in a notifiable incident).
ACTIVITY : Manual Handling (General Lifting) REVIEW NO: SafetyCulture All rights reserved Date: DATE: Page 1- Version 8.1

DOCUMENT NO: S8.1.12.0168 Authorised by: Signature:

Personal Protective Equipment Foot Protection High Visibility Hand Protection

Day Operations Normal Requirements: Safety footwear, high visibility shirt or vest, hand protection (gloves). Ensure all PPE meets relevant Australian Standards. Inspect, and replace PPE as needed. Provide UV sun protection where required, (broad brimmed hat, UV rated clothing, SPF 30+ sunscreen, tinted safety glasses with adequate UV protection). Safety Notes Manual tasks includes all physical activity, yet only present a risk when they are considered hazardous. Hazardous manual tasks can lead to injuries that are called Musculoskeletal Injuries or MSDs. This SWMS covers general aspects associated with hazardous manual handling tasks. The SWMS covers the requirement to identify, assess and control hazardous manual tasks in relation to general lifting activities across numerous industries including construction, manufacturing, hospitality etc. This does not provide specific risk controls in relation to people-handling in health care settings. Main hazards include: - Musculoskeletal (MSD) injuries o Muscles, ligaments, nerves, and tendons in the wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or legs, muscles, ligaments or discs in the back. - These injuries can be sudden or occur gradually over time. - Indirect injuries: o Hit by moving vehicles o Crushed by loss of loads or plant roll-over
DOCUMENT NO: S8.1.12.0168 Authorised by: Signature: ACTIVITY : Manual Handling (General Lifting) REVIEW NO: SafetyCulture All rights reserved Date: DATE: Page 2- Version 8.1

Falls from height

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Task Breakdown

Possible Safety or Environmental Hazards

RB

Control Measures to Reduce risk

RA

Responsible Officer

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented. Planning Personal Injury: - MSD 3H Develop and implement a system to identify, assess and control hazardous manual tasks. Consider use of Risk Assessment worksheets (samples provided at end of SWMS) as provided by SafeWork Australia (2011) Hazardous Manual tasks; Code of Practice Example: Identify hazardous manual tasks. Include tasks that involve: - Repetitive or sustained force - Awkward postures - Vibration (whole body such as driving, or arm/hand when using power tools) - Unstable or unbalanced loads which are difficult to grasp or hold. Assess where the risks may arise in the task. Consider: - Postures - Environmental conditions - Previous injuries or incident reports - Discomfort surveys - Forces required to be exerted - Speed of movement - Vibration - Duration and frequency Implement risk controls where as appropriate for the source of the risk. Choose from the following options: - Alter workplace and layout - Alter environmental conditions - Alter system of work or how work is done - Modify items used in the task 1L

Planning - continued
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Personal Injury:

3H

Risk controls continued:

1L
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ACTIVITY : Manual Handling (General Lifting) REVIEW NO: SafetyCulture All rights reserved Date:

Task Breakdown

Possible Safety or Environmental Hazards

RB

Control Measures to Reduce risk

RA

Responsible Officer

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented. MSD Use mechanical aids (such as trolleys, cranes, vacuum lifters, forklifts, pallet jacks etc) Provide safe work instructions and training.

Note: Instruction and training alone does not adequately reduce risk in most cases. Example: To lift a pallet load, a pallet lifter can be used. Do not rely on training workers on safe lifting methods to reduce risk. Instruction and training should be used in conjunction with other risk controls and can only be used as a stand-alone risk control when no other means to reduce risk are available. Provide adequate resources and controls. Examples: - Sufficient workers and time for task - Adequate rest breaks and recovery time - Job rotation to ensure task variety - Suitable transport vehicles with hydraulic tailgate (avoid storing heavy items in boot of sedans) - Ergonomically designed trolleys/ dollies, motorized tugs for heavier trolley loads, pallet jacks etc - Lifting aids and equipment (cranes, vacuum lifters) - Specialised equipment such as spring/scissor trolleys, adjustable conveyors, anti-kickback devices on power tools, height adjustable pallet lifters with a turntable, etc - Smaller-sized bags/containers of materials - Team-lifts - Seek advice from competent persons (Ergonomist) on task-specific risk controls where required

Preparation
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Personal Injury: - MSD

3H

Assess specific lifting task. Determine: - Suitable access for plant/equipment needed

1L
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ACTIVITY : Manual Handling (General Lifting) REVIEW NO: SafetyCulture All rights reserved Date:

Task Breakdown

Possible Safety or Environmental Hazards

RB

Control Measures to Reduce risk

RA

Responsible Officer

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented. Crushing Falls Exposure to hazardous atmosphere Hit by moving vehicle Electric shock Slips, trips Laceration Puncture wound Exposure to chemicals (eye/skin injury) Known hazards at location (eg: asbestos, lead, chemicals, unsafe electrical installations, uneven ground, high traffic or fall risks) - Types of objects to be handled/removed - Location of objects (eg: third story, no elevator etc) - Presence of: o Stairs, Slopes/ gradients o Pets or children o Other potential hazards - Loading/transport o Ensure vehicle is suitable for loads trucks, moving vans etc. o Where cranes are used, ensure: Dedicated SWMS developed Suitable SWL Licensed operators Sufficient room Traffic Management plan in place Clear of overhead electric lines, overhanging trees or other obstructions Lifting equipment (slings, chains, hooks) are suitable SWL, good condition and suitable for type of load o Vehicles fitted with hydraulic tailgate Ramps have suitable SWL, attach securely to vehicle Check for hazards associated with controls (traffic management, overhead electric lines etc). -

Preparation - continued
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Personal Injury:

3H

Where Team handling required (as last resort). Ensure:

1L
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ACTIVITY : Manual Handling (General Lifting) REVIEW NO: SafetyCulture All rights reserved Date:

Task Breakdown

Possible Safety or Environmental Hazards

RB

Control Measures to Reduce risk

RA

Responsible Officer

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented. MSD Crushing Falls Exposure to hazardous atmosphere Hit by moving vehicle Electric shock Slips, trips Laceration Puncture wound Exposure to chemicals (eye/skin injury All members of team-lift are matched in size, skills, capabilities Number of persons proportionate to weight of load and level of difficulty Lifts are planned and rehearsed Person allocated to plan and be in charge of lift all others to know their roles Sufficient space to maneuver Use aids where possible (lifting bars, handles etc)

Where persons are required to lift without lifting aids, ensure: - Lift within physical capabilities of individual - Weight of object is known - Extreme force will not be required - Object can be held close to body (this excludes large/bulky items that are difficult to grasp, or hot/cold objects that cannot be held against body) - Flat, even floor surface, short travel distance with no obstructions. - Sufficient lighting - Suitable weather conditions (example: large cement sheeting can be unsafe to lift in high winds) - Objects to be lifted are in suitable condition (dry, stable, even distribution of weight, handles where possible, allows good grip, will not block vision, no sharp edges, containers sealed, no chemical or other waste residue on object, etc) - Objects will not be lifted up/down ladders - Repetitive lifting will not exceed 30 minutes at a time or 2 hours over entire shift - Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) provided (example: snug-fitting furniture removalist gloves, safety shoes with non-slip soles)

Pre-Operational
DOCUMENT NO: S8.1.12.0168 Authorised by: Signature:

Personal Injury:

3H

Inspect all equipment before use. SWL displayed and loads

2M
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ACTIVITY : Manual Handling (General Lifting) REVIEW NO: SafetyCulture All rights reserved Date:

Task Breakdown

Possible Safety or Environmental Hazards

RB

Control Measures to Reduce risk

RA

Responsible Officer

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented. Inspection MSD Crushing within SWL Operating controls labeled and functional Maintained as per manufacturers specifications - Chains, hooks, slings, strapping good condition and suitable SWL - Trolley wheels move freely - Brakes functional - Loads strapped - Operators licensed to operate where required 3H Use lifting equipment/ aids as per manufacturers instructions. For lift from floor level with no lifting aids, ensure safe-lifting techniques used. Example: Plan travel pathway Ensure individual physically ready for lift (muscles warmed up /stretches etc) Face the load and stand close to load Maintain a wide stance (feet shoulder length apart) Ensure good balance Bend at knees Grip load, ensure firm grip. Keep load close to body Keep arms and back straight Look forward, and tuck chin into chest Initiate lift using legs muscles Lift smoothly, do not jerk or throw load upwards Avoid any twisting and side-bending during lift When placing load onto ground, follow instructions as above, bend knees, not back. 2M

Operation

Personal Injury: - MSD - Slips, trips - Falls - Crushing

Operation - continued
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Personal Injury: - MSD

3H

General: - Keep work between knee and shoulder height

2M
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ACTIVITY : Manual Handling (General Lifting) REVIEW NO: SafetyCulture All rights reserved Date:

Task Breakdown

Possible Safety or Environmental Hazards

RB

Control Measures to Reduce risk

RA

Responsible Officer

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented. Slips, trips Falls Crushing Adjust conveyors between elbow and knuckle height (when arms at sides) approx 800mm -1,000mm Ensure job rotation for long duration tasks Ensure good housekeeping. Remove waste or other items that could cause tripping hazards or awkward postures Ensure floor surfaces clean, free of waste or spills Ensure firm ground (example: lay planks over sand or non-compacted earth to push trolleys, wheelbarrows etc Suspend hand tools on pendulums where possible Arrange work system to reduce double handling Ensure push-pull forces used to start/stop and maneuver trolleys are not extreme (use tug device) Ensure trolleys are light-weight, ergonomically designed and have brakes if used on slopes Push rather than pull Keep center of gravity of the load lower than the trolley handle Store heavy items below lighter items Ensure loads cannot move during transit Ensure loads are balanced and secured Avoid high work rates and high peak loads Ensure correct tools and equipment for task Design work stations/areas to avoid over-reaching, working with arms above shoulder height, reaching below knee height, excessive twisting of neck and back Reduce time spent standing where possible

Maintenance
DOCUMENT NO: S8.1.12.0168 Authorised by: Signature:

Personal Injury: - MDS

2M

Ensure preventative maintenance program in place for all moving equipment.

1L
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ACTIVITY : Manual Handling (General Lifting) REVIEW NO: SafetyCulture All rights reserved Date:

Task Breakdown

Possible Safety or Environmental Hazards

RB

Control Measures to Reduce risk

RA

Responsible Officer

NOTE: RB = Risk Rating before controls implemented - RA = Risk Rating after controls are implemented. Crushing Note: Trolley wheels must be able to move freely and smoothly, brakes functional and straps able to secure load, etc Maintain all equipment / vehicles, as per manufacturers instructions. Develop Emergency Plan for site. Include: - Emergency Contact details - First Aid officers and equipment - Responsible persons - Communication equipment - Assembly areas - Nearest medical facilities and contact details - Use of fire protection equipment Ensure all controls are reviewed as per the following: - If controls failed to reduce risk adequately - Changes to workplace occur that create new / different risks where controls may no longer be effective - New hazards identified - Consultation with relevant persons indicate review is needed - A Health and Safety Representative (HSR) requests a review in line with the requirements of the Model WHS Regulations 2011.

Emergency Procedures

Personal Injury: - MSD - Numerous

3H

2M

Review

Personal Injury: - MSD Legislation breach

2M

1L

References:
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Model Work, Health and Safety Act 2011 and Model Work, Health and Safety Regulations 2011 Darcor/Ergo Web (2001) The ergonomics of manual material handling pushing and pulling tasks Safe Work Australia (2011) Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice WorkSafe Victoria 2005 A Guide to handling large, bulky or awkward items WorkSafe Victoria (2005) Manual Handling in the Sawmilling Industry WorkSafe Victoria (2005) Manual Handling in the Food Industry WorkSafe Victoria (2005) Manual Handling in the Automotive Industry WorkSafe Victoria (2007) Guide to manual handling: Order Picking

SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT Part 2

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Formal Training, Licenses required for workers undertaking this task: License to Perform High Risk Work required for operation of particular lifting / moving equipment (forklift, cranes, etc).

Duties of workers undertaking this task: Example: (Name): Operator (Name: Clean-up crew (Name): Supervisor etc

Training in the following safe work procedures/ SWMS / training modules is required: (All workers to be trained in relevant procedures.) Nature of hazards Site-specific inductions. Training in this SWMS Identify & assess hazardous manual tasks Importance of using controls provided Team-lifts Use of lifting aids/equipment Relevant Legislation, Codes of Practice: Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 Safe Work Australia (2011) Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice

Details of Supervisory Arrangements for workers undertaking this task: Example: - Suitably qualified supervisors for job - Direct on-site supervision - Remote site communication systems/ schedule - Audits - Spot Checks, etc - Reporting systems

Details of regulatory permits/licenses, Engineering Details/Certificates/WorkCover Approvals: PPE to comply with relevant Australian Standards

Plant/Tools/Equipment: (List plant and equipment to be used on the job.) Example: Electric jackhammer

Maintenance Details for plant / equipment used on job (Include cranes, forklifts, electrical equipment etc.) As per manufacturers recommendations. Electrical tested/tagged every 3 months.

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Part 3- SIGN OFF Hazardous Manual Tasks (General Lifting) This SWMS has been developed in consultation and cooperation with workers and relevant Persons Conducting Business or Undertaking (PCBU). I have read the above SWMS and I understand its contents. I confirm that I have the skills and training, including relevant certification to conduct the task as described. I agree to comply with safety requirements within this SWMS including safe work instructions and Personal Protective Equipment described. Name Qualifications Signature Date Time Employer

Review No. Name and initials Date

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Part 4- RISK ASSESSMENT

Level of Effect

Example of each level

Insignificant/Acceptable Minor Moderate

No effect or so minor that effect is acceptable First aid treatment only; spillage contained at site. Medical treatment; spillage contained but with outside help. Extensive injuries; loss of production Death; toxic release of chemicals

Major Catastrophic Step 1 Determine Likelihood What is the possibility that the effect will occur?
Criteria Description

Step 2 Determine Consequence - What will be the expected effect?

Almost certain Likely Possible Unlikely Rare

Expected in most circumstances. Will probably occur in most circumstances. Might occur at some time Could occur at some time May occur only in exceptional circumstances

Effect is a common result Effect is known to have occurred at this site or it has happened Effect could occur at the site or Ive heard of it happening Effect is not likely to occur at the site or I have not heard of it happening Effect is practically impossible.

Step 3 Determine the risk score

Step 4 Record risk score on worksheet

(Note Risk scores have no absolute value and should only be used for comparison and to engender discussion.)

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Score 4 A: Acute 3 H: High 2 M: Moderate 1 L: Low

Action ACT NOW Urgent - do something about the risks immediately. Requires immediate attention. Highest management decision is required urgently. Follow management instructions. OK for now. Record and review regularly, and if any equipment/ people/ materials/ work processes or procedures change.

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