Hazardous manual tasks are tasks that expose a person to repetitive or sustained force, high or sudden force, repetitive movement, sustained or awkward posture, or vibration. On construction sites, the answer is to identify these factors before work starts, eliminate the risk where reasonably practicable and use effective controls for any remaining risk.
What makes a manual task hazardous?
Manual handling is not limited to lifting something heavy. It includes using the body to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, move, hold or restrain a person, animal or object.
Common construction examples include:
- repeatedly handling bricks, blocks, tiles or bags
- carrying plasterboard, glazing, doors or long lengths of material
- pushing loaded trolleys over rough or sloping ground
- working overhead, kneeling, crouching or twisting in confined areas
- using jackhammers, compactors, grinders and other vibrating equipment
- controlling an unstable load or reacting when a load shifts unexpectedly.
These tasks can contribute to sprains, strains, back injuries, joint and nerve problems, vibration-related conditions and chronic pain. Harm may happen suddenly or develop through repeated exposure over time.
What should be sorted before work starts?
Look at the task as it will actually be performed, not just the nominal weight of the load. Speak with the workers and subcontractors doing the job, as they often know where awkward reaches, fatigue, poor access and difficult equipment occur.
Before starting, confirm:
- the delivery, storage and work sequence
- load sizes, shapes, stability and handling points
- access routes, stairs, openings, ground conditions and congestion
- whether lifting equipment, trolleys, hoists, vacuum lifters or other aids are available
- whether the work area can be arranged to reduce bending, reaching and twisting
- who is trained and authorised to use the selected plant or equipment
- how damaged equipment, discomfort and changing conditions will be reported.
Review incident records, worker reports and previous problems with similar work. A task can still be hazardous even if nobody has yet reported an injury.
What good controls usually cover
Start with whether the task or hazardous part of it can be removed. If it cannot, consider higher-order controls before relying on procedures or individual lifting technique.
Practical controls can include ordering lighter or smaller units, using pre-cut materials, arranging mechanical delivery closer to the point of use, changing bench or storage heights, improving access and selecting tools that reduce force or vibration.
Mechanical aids must suit the load, space and ground conditions. They also need to be available when required, maintained and used by workers who understand the control.
Administrative measures such as work sequencing, task rotation, rest breaks, team handling, training and supervision can support the stronger controls. Training should address the real task, its hazards, the equipment and procedures being used, and how to report problems.
Which documents may apply?
The document should match the work and site conditions. Depending on the task, this may include a hazardous manual task risk assessment, JSA, safe work procedure, lift plan, plant pre-start record, induction or training record, and evidence that controls have been inspected or reviewed.
A SWMS commonly applies when the manual task forms part of high risk construction work under the requirements applying in that jurisdiction. Do not assume every manual task needs a SWMS, or that manual handling can be covered by a generic sentence. Where a SWMS applies, it should describe the relevant high risk construction work, hazards and controls for the actual job.
Local requirements vary. Check current regulator material and the requirements applying to the project and work location. A national Model Code is useful general orientation but is not automatically the applicable law in every jurisdiction.
Warning signs to act on
Pause and review the task when workers report pain or persistent discomfort, loads are being dropped, people improvise platforms or handling aids, team lifts are poorly coordinated, equipment is difficult to use, or the planned access route has changed.
Other warning signs include rushing, repeated rehandling, extended overhead work, awkward grip, unexpected load movement and controls that exist on paper but are unavailable at the workface.
How Blue Safe can help
Blue Safe provides compliant WHS documents tailored to the client's activities, applicable Australian WHS/OHS requirements, jurisdiction and industry. Blue Safe guarantees the document compliance of the WHS documents it provides, including eligible customer documents after Blue Safe has reviewed and upgraded them.
Customers actively put the compliant documents into practice through controls, consultation, training, actions, records and evidence. Blue Safe can help align risk assessments, procedures, SWMS and supporting records so supervisors and workers have clear, practical documents for the work being performed.
Official sources
- Safe Work Australia — Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks
- SafeWork NSW — Hazardous manual tasks Code of Practice
- WorkSafe WA — Hazardous manual tasks: Code of practice
Information current: 4 August 2026.