Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406:body:0:p13
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 43319–45917

the risk of MSD.   For example, poor postures and movements may be due to the layout of the workplace, high forces may be due to the loads being handled, and the frequency and duration of the task may be due to the work organisation, limited staff numbers or increased work pace to meet tight deadlines.
The main sources of risk are:
    * work area design and layout
    * the nature, size, weight or number of things handled in performing the manual task,
    * systems of work
    * the environment in which the manual task is performed.
These sources of risk can also make the task more difficult to perform and therefore increase the risk of MSD.
For each risk factor, you should ask:
    * where in the task are they occurring
    * why each of these actions is occurring (source of the risk).
The answers to these questions will provide the information on how to fix the source of the risk and hence control the risk of MSD.

Consider the work area design and layout
A work area includes work benches, conveyors, furniture and fittings and the equipment used by workers doing that job. The positioning and relationship of the different elements in a work area to each other and to the worker are important because of the effect on working postures.
A work area that is designed without consideration of the risks that arise from hazardous manual tasks may impose awkward postures on workers undertaking manual tasks, for example, bent and twisted positions with shoulders raised and the need to reach for items or carry loads over long distances.

Consider the nature, size, weight or number of persons, animals or things handled

Loads
Loads can be a source of risk due to the amount of muscular effort needed to handle them. The harder to grip and control a person, animal or thing, the greater the force required to handle them.
The risk can arise from:
    * size, shape and weight of load – loads that are large, bulky, or heavy and cannot be held close to the body or are asymmetric and put uneven forces on the spine
    * loads that are difficult to grip through unsuitable handles, handholds or surface textures
    * unstable or unwieldy loads can create sudden high muscle forces and result in overloading of muscles, tendons or discs
    * handling people or animals – both the physical and behavioural nature of people or animals can be a source of risk, for example unpredictable movements requiring sudden forces to control.

Tools
Tools that are unsuitable for the task can be a source of risk by increasing the force required, or by promoting sustained or awkward postures.