Manual tasks - Employer's duty of care
Regulations
Comcare is developing new regulations based on the National Standard for Manual Tasks (2007). These new regulations will replace the Manual Handling regulations currently contained in Part 5 ‘Manual Handling’ of the Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 (Safety Standard Regulations).
The change in terminology from Manual Handling to Manual Tasks reflects best practice and recognises work related Musculoskeletal Disorders which include occupational overuse syndrome (OOS) and a range of other bodystressing injuries.
Prior to the new regulations coming into force, duty holders are required to comply with the Part 5 ‘Manual Handling’ of the Safety Standard Regulations. It is also recommended that duty holders refer to the National Standard for Manual Tasks (2007) on the SafeWork Australia Website, which forms the basis for the new regulations. Further guidance may also be found in the National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from performing Manual Tasks at Work (2007) (see below).
Further guidance
The National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from performing Manual Tasks at Work (2007) provides comprehensive guidance in applying the risk management process for Manual Tasks.
This document, and the National Standard for Manual Tasks, can be accessed from Safework Australia website.
For more information contact Bernadette Suitor on 1300 366 979 or email ohs.policy@comcare.gov.au.