Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406:body:0:p24
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406
Segment Type: other
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Character Range: 72036–75050

off-line, for example, 'holding' bins or benches off the main processing conveyor.

Figure 33 The work rate for high volume production and processing
should not extend workers to their physical limits.

Design tasks for the working population

Task design should take account of the range of human dimensions and capabilities such as height, reach and weight. Adapt work systems to accommodate the health/fitness status of a worker. If this is not reasonably practicable, allocate the worker to other tasks. In designing work systems, considerations also include:
    * the capacity of workers who have not reached physical maturity for physically demanding work
    * the possibility that older workers may have a decreased physical capacity for physically demanding or fast work
    * the need for gradual adjustment to physically demanding work activities during recovery from injury or illness
    * pregnancy which affects the risk of back pain because of the changing shape of the body.
Provide transition arrangements for workers undertaking unaccustomed work by:
    * reducing the pace of work or workloads
    * providing more frequent breaks
    * job rotation.

Resources and support

When introducing risk control measures that involve plant, tools or equipment, ensure that:
    * it is the right equipment for the task
    * there is sufficient, available equipment
    * plant, tools and equipment are checked and maintained on a regular basis.
To allow for adequate recovery time and to reduce exposure to risks of MSD, arrange to have the right staffing levels, skill mix and shift arrangements considering:
    * shift lengths
    * the levels of overtime
    * placement of rostered days off
    * the numbers of workers during peak periods
Communicate and consult with workers about the way work is organised and allow workers to seek assistance from another person when necessary.

4.8 Changing the work environment

Vibration
Whole-body vibration – the design of vibration damped equipment and engine mountings are the most effective methods of controlling vibration exposure. Other strategies to reduce exposure include:
    * improving vehicle suspension and installation of operator seats mounted on suspension systems which incorporate spring and damper elements
    * ensuring that equipment and control measures implemented to reduce vibration are well maintained
    * ensuring workers adjust their seats appropriately and equipment is operated within the speed suggested by the manufacturer or to a speed that reduces vibration levels
    * training workers about the risks associated with whole-body vibration, the controls that have been implemented and how they should be used.
Hand-arm vibration – substitute alternative manufacturing methods or processes to eliminate the need for vibrating equipment. Where this is not possible, the best strategy is to purchase tools and equipment that produce less vibration.

Cold conditions
To control exposure to cold conditions you