Injuries from performing manual tasks at work are a significant burden for the Western Australian mining industry. Reducing the extent and severity of such injuries is beneficial to all industry stakeholders. It is imperative that the risk management process be effectively implemented at the workplace. Current best practice is a participative ergonomics approach, which involves workers, assisted by an ergonomist or work health and safety personnel with skills in ergonomics, undertaking the risk management process.
In 2008, the Department undertook the Manual handling review of the WA mining industry to gather information in order to scope directions, strategies and activities to reduce injuries, specifically musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) from performing manual tasks at work.
Each mining workplace is different so there will be some variation in the most suitable approach to implement and administer a program to manage the risks associated with manual tasks. Key factors for effective programs that are applicable to all workplaces are described in the guide for mining workplaces Implementing effective programs to manage risks associated with manual tasks.
Resources and guidance
- Manual tasks: Audit guide and template
This audit is designed to cover the standards related to the management of the risks associated with manual tasks. - Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 1: Terminology
How workers performing hazardous manual tasks have an increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. - Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 2: Extent and cost of injuries
How industry stakeholders benefit from the implementation of strategies that reduce the extent and severity of musculoskeletal disorders from performing manual tasks in WA mining workplaces. - Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 3: How injuries can happen at work
How performing manual tasks at work can cause musculoskeletal disorders. - Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 4: Manual tasks and the risk management process
How the risk management process provides a framework which can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders from performing manual tasks at work. - Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 5: Participative ergonomics
How involving workers to identify hazardous manual tasks can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders from performing manual tasks at work. - Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 6: Whole-body vibration
How operators, drivers and passengers of machines can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders from performing manual tasks at work. - Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 7: Hand-arm vibration
How workers using hand-held power tools can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders from performing manual tasks at work. - Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 8: Machinery and vehicle cab design
Machinery and vehicle cab design is important in reducing the overall risk of drivers and operators developing musculoskeletal disorders from performing manual tasks at work. - Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 9: Safe design
Safe design is important in reducing the the overall risk of musculoskeletal disorders from performing manual tasks at work.