provide training to ensure workers can implement the risk controls for the task competently ensure that any equipment used in the manual task is properly maintained. You should not make final decisions on the effectiveness of the control measures that you have implemented until enough time has passed for your workers to adjust to the changes. Workers should be given a chance to practice using the new workstation, tool, mechanical device or new work method. Some modifications may require workers to use new muscle groups or different parts of the body and they may initially feel some discomfort. At this stage, you should frequently check with your workers how they feel the improvements are working. Training Training in the type of control measures implemented should be provided during induction into a new job and as part of an manual task risk control program. Training should be provided to: workers required to carry out, supervise or manage hazardous manual tasks in-house designers, engineers and officers responsible for the selection and maintenance of plant and/or the design and organisation of the job/task any health and safety representatives. The training should include information on: manual task risk management, including the characteristics of hazardous manual tasks specific manual task risks and the measures in place to control them how to perform manual tasks safely, including the use of mechanical aids, tools, equipment and safe work procedures how to report a problem or maintenance issues. You should review your training program regularly and also when there is change to work processes, plant or equipment, implementation of new control measures, relevant legislation or other issues that may impact on the way the task is performed. You should keep records of induction and training given to your workers. The records can include information such as the date of the session, the topics dealt with, and the name and signature of the trainer and each of the workers who attended the session. 5. Control measures that have been implemented must be reviewed and, if necessary, revised to make sure they work as planned and to maintain a work environment that is without risks to health and safety. Regulation 38: A person conducting a business or undertaking must review and as necessary revise risk control measures: when the control measure does not minimise the risk so far as is reasonably practicable before a change at the workplace that is likely to give rise to a new or different health and safety risk that the control measure may not effectively control if a new hazard or risk is identified if the results of consultation indicate that a review is necessary if a health and safety representative requests a review.
Wrapping machines on process lines Strain on the lower back when handling heavy rolls of plastic wrapping in awkward and twisted postures, often above shoulder height. This is caused by inappropriate design and positioning of the roll spindle and by restricted access. Design the spindle to be adjustable. This allows the rolls to be loaded at a suitable height and orientation, and eliminates the need to lift them. Design equipment to help worker load rolls. Locate the spindle in an accessible place on the plant. Provide information about how to install the plant in a way that allows adequate access. Power drills Prolonged use of the forearm muscles and wrist caused by a heavy or poorly balanced drill. Exposure to vibration or impact recoil from hammer drills. Excessive force needed to grip and control the tool to counter the effect of vibration and impact shocks. Design drills to be as light as possible. Design drills with the handle under the drill’s centre of gravity. Design to reduce shock and vibration. Provide a suitable way of holding the tool with both hands. Pliers Pressure to the palm of the hand caused by handles that are too short. Prolonged use of the forearm muscles and compression of the wrist caused by using pliers with straight handles. Design pliers with handles that extend beyond the palm. Design pliers with bent handles so that the user can maintain a straight wrist. Crimping, clamping and cutting Excessive force with outstretched fingers required to grip handles that are too wide apart. Design handles with a grip span of 10 cm or less. Chainsaws Excessive vibration. High force required to handle the chainsaw. Design to reduce vibration. Design the chainsaw to be as light as possible, and provide well-placed handles. Chairs Poorly designed chairs that cannot be adjusted provide little back support and cause workers to adopt poor postures and movements. Follow existing design guidelines for chairs, and consider how the will be used in the workplace. Work-benches, workstations and other work surfaces Workstations that cannot be adjusted result in unnecessary reaching, bending and exertion of force. Design workstations to be adjustable. Alternatively, dimensions should suit as many workers as possible.