Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406:body:0:p19
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 59403–62123

support the feet.
A seated work position is best for:
    * work that requires fine manipulation, accurate control or placement of small objects
    * close visual work that requires prolonged attention
    * work that involves operating a foot pedal.
Workers carrying out standing tasks should be provided with:
    * a chair, stool or support so that the worker can alternate between sitting and standing
    * a footrest (large enough for the whole foot) to allow the worker to stand with either foot raised
    * where possible, suitable floor covering to cushion concrete and other hard floors.
A standing work position is best when:
    * large, heavy or bulky loads are handled
    * forceful movements are required
    * reaching is required
    * movements away from the working position are frequent
    * there is no knee room
    * there is limited space.

Work space
Work areas should have enough space to accommodate the number of workers and other people involved in the task, any equipment that might be required and space to operate the equipment safely.  For example, when observing workers of an aged care facility assisting an infirm person to bathe, the bathroom may need to accommodate two workers, the client and a mobile hoist with space to manoeuvre a person in the hoist over the toilet and bath or into a shower area.

4.4         Changing the nature, size, weight or number of items handled

Handling loads
Examples of control measures that should be considered when handling loads include:
    * purchasing products in smaller loads for manual handling or larger loads to be shifted mechanically
    * reducing the size or capacity of containers
    * using handheld hooks or suction pads to move loads such as sheet materials
    * using grip devices adapted to the particular object to be carried. (Figure 26)

Figure 26 Use handling grip devices adapted to the particular object to be carried

Tools and equipment
Hand tools should be designed to:
    * be held in a neutral wrist or handshake position (Figure 27)
    * allow the hand to retain a comfortable grip span
    * be well-balanced (the heaviest part of the tool needs to be behind the wrist)
    * be suitable for use by either hand
    * provide a good grip surface
    * prevent a worker from adopting a pinch grip with high force or for prolonged periods.
Minimise the level of muscular effort, particularly of the shoulder and wrist, needed to use hand tools by:
    * using power tools where possible
    * suspending or supporting heavy tools where they are used repetitively and in the same place
    * counterbalancing heavy tools that are used repetitively and need to be kept away from the body
    * using trigger