Manual handling risks

Hazardous manual tasks place workers at risk of a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD).

An MSD, as defined in the WHS Regulations, means an injury to, or a disease of, the musculoskeletal system, whether occurring suddenly or over time.

According to the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2011, MSDs may occur over time by gradual wear and tear to joints, ligaments, muscles and inter-vertebral discs caused by repeated or continuous use of the same body parts, including static body positions.

MSDs may also occur through sudden damage caused by strenuous activity, or unexpected movements such as when loads being handled move or change position suddenly.

The following identifies what injuries are classified as MSDs and those that are not as detailed in the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2011.