Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a significant concern in workplaces, often stemming from poor manual handling practices. According to WorkSafe Victoria's senior ergonomist, Alex Finlay, all workers possess a subconscious energy-saving mechanism that can lead to the erosion of safe manual handling techniques. This phenomenon, referred to as "drift to failure," highlights the need for robust and higher-order safety controls.
Alex Finlay emphasized at a recent Health and Safety Month webinar that adhering to safe lifting methods can increase a worker’s energy expenditure, causing fatigue over time. When faced with repetitive tasks involving bending and lifting, workers may instinctively adopt less safe methods to conserve energy. This typical human response, coupled with external pressures like time constraints, can significantly derail even the most comprehensive training programs on manual handling.
Employers are legally required to adhere to the hierarchy of controls in managing MSD risks, addressing hazards at their source whenever possible. When complete elimination of risks is unfeasible, a multi-faceted approach—combining engineering controls with training and procedural support—proves most effective.
Megan Kennedy, another ergonomist at WorkSafe, reinforced that while the initial costs of higher-order controls may be greater, they yield long-term benefits, including reduced incident rates, lower injury claims, and enhanced productivity.
Employers should actively engage workers through tools like WorkSafe’s discomfort survey to identify hazardous tasks before they escalate. Early intervention is key, as MSDs typically develop gradually, affecting workers of all backgrounds. Ensuring robust safety practices is crucial for fostering a healthier workplace environment.
Read more: OHSAlert - Workers subconsciously drift towards unsafe techniques
Keep an eye on the WorkSafe Victoria YouTube channel where they will upload the Webinar soon: WorkSafe Victoria YouTube Channel - 2024 Health and Safety week webinars