In construction projects, principal contractors and subcontractors (as PCBUs) have a duty, so far as reasonably practicable, to eliminate or minimise the risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with hazardous manual tasks.

The best way to manage MSDs is to follow a systematic process and talk to your workers.

Step 1: Identify hazards

• Consult your workers (e.g., discomfort survey),

• Observe manual tasks: identify risk factors presents – high or sudden forces, repetitive or sustained forces, awkward or sustained postures, repetitive movements, vibration

• Review available information (e.g., injury data, industry guidance)

• Look for trends

• Use the Identification tool to help you record your HMTs

Step 2: Assess the risk

• can help you determine which postures, movements, forces or vibration from the task pose a risk in combination with the task duration and frequency.

• Identify sources of the risk

• Involve workers in the process

• Use the Risk assessment and control tool to assess and control risks of hazardous manual tasks in your workplace.

Step 3: Control the risk

• Consider the sources of the risk when choosing control measures

• Follow the hierarchy of controls

• Talk with workers to identify appropriate controls

• enable workers to trial controls and give their feedback before decisions are made to make them permanent.

• provide training and supervision on the implemented controls.

Step 4: Maintain and Review control measures

• Monitor the control measures to ensure they remain effective, fit-for-purpose and are suitable for the nature and duration of the work.

Refer to the HMT Risk Management | SafeWork SA and the HMT Code of Practice for more detailed guidance.

Example of Risk Assessment

Handling plasterboards can often involve significant physical effort and awkward body positions, which can lead to serious injuries - including long-term spinal damage.

To support safer work practices, the following tools and examples are available to help businesses and workers in both Commercial and Residential settings:

• Identify and assess hazardous manual tasks using SafeWork SA HMT Risk Assessment and Control Tool.

• Develop Safe Work Procedures (SWPs) with consideration to hazardous manual tasks.

While the examples focus on plasterboard handling, the principals of risk assessment and the SWP can be applicable to a wide range of manual tasks across the construction industry.