Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the specific hazards, risk controls, and safe work methods for all manual handling and hazardous manual tasks undertaken on site. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Manual Handling and Hazardous Manual Tasks SWMS to support strong WHS compliance and injury prevention.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Addressing risks from overloading by setting safe load limits and implementing practical controls to prevent excessive force
• Assessing the weight of items before lifting, including use of mechanical aids, team lifts, and pre-lift checks
• Avoidance of manual handling injuries through task redesign, rotation, and elimination or reduction of hazardous manual tasks
• Avoiding manual lifting where possible by planning work to utilise trolleys, pallet jacks, hoists, and other mechanical handling equipment
• Carrying heavy loads over uneven terrain with controls for slips, trips, falls, fatigue, and maintaining safe footing
• Carrying heavy loads up to height, including safe use of platforms, step ladders, and mechanical aids to minimise overreaching
• Carrying loads upstairs with guidance on load size, handholds, pace, rest breaks, and maintaining three points of contact where practicable
• Carrying materials by hand with correct grip, posture, path-of-travel planning, and housekeeping controls
• Carrying materials up stairs with specific controls for visibility, balance, and use of team lifting procedures
• Climbing stairs with heavy loads while managing line of sight, step stability, and emergency set-down options
• Coordinating team lifting, including communication protocols, designated leader, and synchronised lifting and lowering
• Hand stacking goods on high levels with controls for working at shoulder height and above, and avoiding overreaching or unstable stacks
• Handling awkward shaped items, including use of straps, slings, and planning routes to avoid twisting and sudden movements
• Implementing correct lifting techniques, covering posture, bending at the knees, load positioning, and smooth controlled movements
• Leverage use and redistribution of weight to reduce strain, including sliding, pivoting, and using fulcrums rather than direct lifting
• Selection, inspection, and safe use of mechanical handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, pallet jacks, and conveyors
• Job design and workplace layout to minimise repetitive bending, twisting, reaching, and sustained or awkward postures
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling tasks involving repetitive or sustained force, including dynamic movement and recovery time allowances
• Pushing or pulling heavy objects such as bins, carts, or machinery, with controls for posture, foot placement, and surface friction
• Manually pushing or pulling disabled vehicles, equipment, or mobile plant over short distances with team coordination and hand protection
• Lifting heavy boxes or crates onto conveyor belts or workstations, including height matching and anti-slip surfaces
• Manual palletising and depalletising tasks, including layer stacking, load stability, and repetitive motion controls
• Stacking and unstacking boxes and loads on pallets, shelves, or racks with attention to weight distribution and visibility
• Repositioning heavy or bulky items on benches, floors, or vehicles using sliding sheets, rollers, or team lifts
• Shovelling soil, gravel, snow, or other materials with ergonomic techniques, tool selection, and fatigue management
• Safe handling and storage of construction materials (e.g., timber, pipes, sheets) with two-person lifts and edge protection
• Loading and unloading luggage, parcels, or cleaning supplies in hospitality, transport, or facility service environments
• Negotiating stairs, ramps, or escalators with bulky or irregular items using trolleys, harnesses, or two-person teams
• Off-loading heavy materials without mechanical aids as a last resort, with strict limits on weight, distance, and supervision
• Opening packaging with cutter knives or box cutters, including cut-resistant gloves, controlled motion, and safe disposal of blades
• Manipulating irregular or bulky items such as furniture, machinery parts, or equipment casings with planning and mechanical support
• Unburdening or removing heavy equipment components (e.g., batteries, tools, attachments) with proper grip and lowering techniques
• Working with both lightweight and heavyweight materials in mixed-task environments, including task rotation and micro-breaks
• Proper posture and body mechanics during sustained lifting, carrying, or holding tasks, including neutral spine awareness
• Training in manual lifting techniques as part of onboarding and refresher programs, including practical demonstrations and feedback
• Ergonomic practices for load handling in confined or restricted spaces, including limited visibility and reduced manoeuvrability

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for warehousing and logistics workers, construction and trades personnel, manufacturing and processing staff, delivery drivers, labourers, and site supervisors responsible for planning and overseeing manual handling and hazardous manual tasks.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice – Guidance on identifying, assessing, and controlling risks from hazardous manual tasks
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice – Framework for risk management, consultation, and review of control measures
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice – Requirements for safe access, egress, and suitable work environments for manual tasks
• Manual Tasks Code of Practice (where applicable in relevant jurisdictions) – Additional guidance on safe manual handling practices
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017