Health Report

WorkSafe Queensland has developed a DVD focussing on preventing injuries resulting from manual tasks in the workplace: No Sprains, big gains! - Reducing the risk of manual task injuries in the workplace.

 

The DVD explains how to help workers, safety officers and employers identify, manage and reduce the risk of soft tissue injuries in the workplace. WorkSafe have also produced a handbook - PErforM - to accompany the DVD. View the DVD and download the handbook and worksheets here.

  

So how do soft tissue injuries occur in the workplace?

Over time, damage can build up through things such as:

• handling loads - frequent lifting with the back bent and/or twisted, or pushing or pulling loads
• repetitive work - using the hand or arm, or gripping tools or loads tightly
• static work of the whole body - working in a fixed position with the back bent, continuous sitting or standing, or driving vehicles for long periods
• static work of the upper limb - working with the neck, shoulders and arms in a fixed position (such as using tools and handling heavy loads)
• vibration - using tools or coming into contact with vibrating surfaces while undertaking manual tasks (such as sitting on a large machine).