Manual Tasks Risk Assessment WHS-PRO-TEM-002c
Electronic copies of this checklist are current. All other copies are uncontrolled and currency can only be assured at the time of printing
Date of assessment:
Name of assessor(s):
Position(s):
Step 1: What is the manual task?
Name of task:
Location where task occurs:
Who performs the task:
General description:
Postures:
Forceful / muscular exertions:
Repetition and duration:
Tools or equipment used:
Work / task organisation and environment:
Step 2: Is the manual task hazardous? (Hazardous manual tasks can result in a sprain or strain)
Question 1 – Does the task involve any of the following risk factors? ☐ Repetitive movement ☐ Sustained or awkward postures (Refer to figure 1) ☐ Repetitive or sustained forces	REPITITION = >2 times / minute SUSTAINED = Held for > 30 seconds at a time	If yes, to both Questions 1 and 2 = HAZARDOUS
Question 2 – Does the task involve long duration? Is the task done: ☐ for more than a total of two hours over a whole shift ☐ continuously for more than 30 minutes at a time?	DURATION = Continuously > 30 min; OR > total of 2hrs over shift
Question 3 - Does the task involve sudden or near maximal force? ☐ Yes (4-5) ☐ No (1-3) 1 No effort 2 3 Moderate Force 4 5 Maximum Force	If yes to Question 3 = HAZARDOUS
Question 4 – Does the task involve vibration? ☐ Yes (4-5) or if residual sensation remains after completing the task ☐ No (1-3) 1 None 2 3 Moderate 4 5 Extreme	If yes to Question 4 = HAZARDOUS

Step 3: What is the source of the risk? (These are the things that are causing the risk. They are also the things that may be changed in order to eliminate or minimise the risk).
☐ Work area design and layout: work space available; design of workstation, furniture and equipment
☐ The nature, size, weight or number of things handled in performing the manual task:
☐ Systems of work (e.g. pace and flow of work; resources available; maintenance):
☐ The environment in which the manual task is performed (e.g. flooring; obstructions; lighting; hot/cold/humid environments):
Step 4: How do I control the risk? (Consider the hierarchy of control. A range of controls may be required).
☐ Can the task be eliminated?
☐ Can you change what is causing the risk (the source)? (E.g. change the work area; alter the size of loads; use mechanical aids; manage environmental conditions; use adjustable equipment; implement preventative maintenance program.)
☐ What training is needed to support the control measures? (Training needs to be task specific. Training in lifting techniques is not effective as the sole or primary means to control the risk of sprains/strains).
Implement controls
Person(s) responsible for approving controls:
Person(s) responsible for putting controls in place:
By when:
Step 5: Review the controls
Evaluated on:	Assessor:
☐ Consultation undertaken with all workers?
☐ Have the controls implemented reduced the risks?
☐ Have any other risks been created by the controls?
☐ Can further controls be implemented to minimise the risk?

Figure 1. Postures and movements that pose a risk if they are repetitive or sustained and are performed for a long duration (i.e. continuously for 30 minutes or more than a total of 2 hours over a shift)

Can you modify the work area / task / the position of your body to eliminate this movement / posture?

Bending the back or head forwards or sideways more than 20 degrees	Reaching forward or sideways more than 30cm from the body
Bending the back or head backwards more than 5 degrees or looking up	Reaching behind the body
Twisting the back or neck more than 20 degrees Are you able to turn your body to face your task instead of reaching around?	Standing with most of the body’s weight on one leg
Very fast movements
Working with one or both hands above shoulder height	Twisting, turning, grabbing, picking or wringing actions with the fingers, hands or arms that includes excessive bending of the wrist
Working with the fingers close together or wide apart	Squatting, kneeling, crawling, lying, semi-lying or jumping