Manual Handling Guidelines

Objective

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is committed to preventing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace by consulting with employees to identify hazardous manual handling tasks, to assess and control the associated risks and ensure the design of work systems, equipment, tasks and the work environment is consistent with the goal of eliminating or reducing musculoskeletal disorders.

Procedures

Using the Office Ergonomic Guideline and the Manual Handling Assessment Worksheet:

• Identify and list work tasks/activities involving manual handling actions.
• From the completed list, identify injury potential by reviewing workplace injury records, observing the workplace and consulting with employees.
• Complete a Manual Handling Risk Assessment for each work activity identified as having a risk potential.
• Use the control options provided on the Risk Control Worksheet.
• Implement control options selected and monitor effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Executive Management	Executives are to make resources available and support the effective implementation of the Manual Handling Guideline.
Managers	Managers are responsible for ensuring: Risk identification, assessment and control is undertaken in consultation with Health and Safety Representatives (as outlined above). Employees are informed about any decisions regarding manual handling and resources are made available. Manual handling requirements are considered when purchasing new equipment and introducing new work practices. That all employees are provided with training and education in safely performing manual handling tasks and using the equipment provided. Employees have received appropriate training in the techniques required for performing manual handling tasks and sufficient supervision is provided to ensure the safety of employees when performing manual handling tasks.
Employees	Employees are responsible for: Following instructions given in supervision of manual handling tasks. Using the equipment provided for safe manual handling. Applying any training provided and highlighting areas of concern.

Scope

This guideline applies to all personnel who are employed, directly or indirectly, by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.

Definition

Manual Handling: Means any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or load.

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Means any injury, illness or disease that arises in whole or part from manual handling in the workplace, whether occurring suddenly or over a period of time.

Approval

This guideline was reviewed and approved by Executive in June 2002.