With musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) being the most common injury among workers in Victoria, WorkSafe is urging tradies to think of their body as the most important tool in their kit and to proactively protect it from the hazards that lead to pain, strain and injury.
“Tools can be replaced. Bodies can’t,” said WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin.
In the past 18 months more than 3,000 WorkCover claims have been accepted from construction workers injured by hazardous manual handling activities. A majority of these injuries have affected the musculoskeletal system and most commonly result in back pain, muscle strains, lumbago and sciatica.
Carpenters, plumbers and electricians accounted for the most MSD claims and men aged 30-34 were age group most affected by hazardous manual handling injuries.
MSDs can lead to chronic pain, long recoveries, reduced quality of life and mental health challenges – these are long-term issues that can be career-ending and severely impact how we spend our free time.
Employers have a duty under the OHS Act and Regulations to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with hazardous manual handling. WorkSafe has many free resources available to help employers and employees identify and manage the risks to keep everyone safe, strong and working.
Using mechanical aids for hazardous manual handling activities is the best defence against MSDs. Teamwork, planning and regular breaks are also critical in keeping our bodies injury-free. Taking short-cuts when lifting and moving items in the workplace may seem to be time saving, but the long-term impact to our bodies is too costly.
WorkSafe’s fact-sheet Construction safety focus: Preventing musculoskeletal disorders guides employers and employees on simple methods to eliminate or reduce manual handling in the construction industry. The Compliance Code: Hazardous Manual Handling provides practical guidance, identification worksheets, a discomfort survey and a risk assessment template to assist in identifying and controlling workplace risks associated with hazardous manual handling.
You can also find more information at our OHS Reps Hazardous Manual Handling and Sprains and Strains – more information pages.
Read more: Tradies reminded most valuable asset isn’t in the toolbox | WorkSafe Victoria