22 July 2026
SafeWork SA is urging construction businesses and workers to take action against the increasing number of injuries caused by manual tasks across the industry.
Manual tasks are a routine part of construction work and can cause stress and strain on workers’ bodies.
These body stressing injuries, known as musculoskeletal disorders, are the leading cause of injury in construction, accounting for 31 per cent of all claims in South Australia.
Of these, about 70 per cent involve muscular stress from lifting, carrying, or putting down objects – tasks that are part of everyday construction work.
Body stressing claims have increased significantly over the past decade.
In 2024-25, construction recorded the highest number of body stressing claims on record in South Australia (923 claims) – more than double the number reported in 2021-22 (446 claims).
Hazardous manual tasks and the resulting injuries can be significantly reduced through better planning, the use of appropriate tools and equipment, and effective systems of work.
These injuries typically develop over time from repeated or sustained forceful exertion and can lead to long recovery periods, reduced work capacity and increased costs for workers and businesses.
Workers most frequently injured include carpenters, labourers, builders, electricians, scaffolders, and truck and plant operators - highlighting that no trade is immune.
Musculoskeletal disorders can be reduced by addressing hazardous manual tasks early and designing work to minimise unnecessary physical demands.
This includes:
- eliminating or minimising manual tasks during project and task planning
- considering materials selection, site layout and task sequencing to minimise lifting, carrying, reaching and repetitive work
- using mechanical aids and equipment as primary controls
- ensuring equipment is suitable for the task, readily available and used
- consulting with workers to identify high‑risk tasks and practical control measures
- improving collaboration between designers, builders and contractors to address work health and safety risks during the design and planning phases.
Following engagement with the construction industry, including surveys, workshops and consultation with businesses, SafeWork SA has developed practical guidance and tools.
These tools are designed to help the industry better manage hazardous manual tasks and reduce musculoskeletal disorders.
These resources support:
- early planning and better task design
- managing common high‑risk construction activities / tasks
- applying practical, task‑specific control measures
- meeting duties under the WHS Regulations and the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice.
The materials can be used during design, planning, site setup, inductions, toolbox talks and day‑to‑day supervision.
Construction companies are encouraged to use these resources to plan work differently, reduce hazardous manual tasks, and prevent avoidable injuries on construction sites.