Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406:body:0:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406
Segment Type: other
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Character Range: 5115–7991

used in this Code to indicate a recommended course of action, while 'may' is used to indicate an optional course of action.
This Code also includes various references to provisions of the WHS Act and Regulations which set out the legal requirements. These references are not exhaustive. The words 'must', 'requires' or 'mandatory' indicate that a legal requirement exists and must be complied with.

1. Introduction
Most jobs involve carrying out some type of manual task using the body to move or hold an object, people or animals. Manual tasks cover a wide range of activities including stacking shelves, working on a conveyor line and entering data into a computer.
Some manual tasks are hazardous and may cause musculoskeletal disorders. These are the most common workplace injuries across Australia.

1.1         What is a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)?
A musculoskeletal disorder, as defined in the WHS Regulations, means an injury to, or a disease of, the musculoskeletal system, whether occurring suddenly or over time. It does not include an injury caused by crushing, entrapment (such as fractures and dislocations) or cutting resulting from the mechanical operation of plant.
MSDs may include conditions such as:
    * sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons
    * back injuries, including damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal discs, nerves, joints and bones
    * joint and bone injuries or degeneration, including injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, hands and feet
    * nerve injuries or compression (e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome)
    * muscular and vascular disorders as a result of hand-arm vibration
    * soft tissue hernias
    * chronic pain.
MSDs occur in two ways:
    * gradual wear and tear to joints, ligaments, muscles and inter-vertebral discs caused by repeated or continuous use of the same body parts, including static body positions
    * sudden damage caused by strenuous activity, or unexpected movements such as when loads being handled move or change position suddenly.
Injuries can also occur due to a combination of these mechanisms, for example, body tissue that has been weakened by cumulative damage may be vulnerable to sudden injury by lower forces.

1.2         What is a hazardous manual task?
A hazardous manual task, as defined in the WHS Regulations, means a task that requires a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing involving one or more of the following:
    * repetitive or sustained force
    * high or sudden force
    * repetitive movement
    * sustained or awkward posture
    * exposure to vibration.
These factors (known as characteristics of a hazardous manual task) directly stress the body and can lead to injury.

1.3         Who has health and safety duties in relation to hazardous manual tasks?