ACT tackles manual handling

WorkCover ACT has officially released the details of its involvement in the Trans-Tasman safety campaign targeting manual handling in manufacturing.

The wide-reaching campaign has been designed to reduce body stressing injuries resulting from heavy lifting, repetitive tasks and sustained awkward posture.

"ACT WorkCover announced its Manual Tasks Intervention Program in October 2006 and this national campaign will complement and run parallel with that program," ACT WorkCover Acting Commissioner, Steven Hart said.

Body stressing makes up a substantial percentage of overall OHS incidences in Australia each year. It accounted for 44% of all the industry's workers compensation claims in 2003/2004 across Australia.

"ACT WorkCover will be targeting businesses that manufacture structural metal products, such as those that produce garage doors, roof trusses and aluminium gates," Hart said.

The campaign will focus on educating employers to work together with their employees to effectively identify and manage manual handling risks.

"ACT WorkCover inspectors will visit approximately 30 businesses between March and June and provide practical guidance and information on how to identify and manage risks associated with manual handling in this industry and to measure compliance with the ACT Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989," Hart said.