RA_HO_07 — Manual Handling¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | RA_HO_07 |
| Issue Date | 04/07/2025 |
| Next Review | 04/07/2026 |
| Assessed By | Sean Ashton (HSQE Consultant) |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
| Classification | Controlled |
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Related: APP_07 Hazard Identification Log · APP_08 OHS Hazard Assessments Register
Task/Activity¶
Manual handling of office equipment, deliveries, and materials
Location¶
All work locations
Persons at Risk¶
- All staff
- Delivery personnel
- Contractors
Hazards and Controls¶
| Hazard | Existing Controls | S | L | R | Additional Controls | S | L | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back injuries from lifting | Manual handling training, team lifting policy | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Refresher training, lifting aids | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Strains from poor technique | Training provided, guidance posters | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Mechanical aids assessment, technique monitoring | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Repetitive strain injuries | Job rotation, rest breaks | 2 | 2 | 🟢 4 | Automated solutions, ergonomic tools | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Crushing injuries from dropped items | Safety footwear, secure grip training | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Team lifting protocols, load assessment | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Slips/trips while carrying | Good housekeeping, clear routes | 3 | 2 | 🟡 6 | Route planning, obstruction removal | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Awkward postures | Ergonomic training, adjustable equipment | 2 | 3 | 🟡 6 | Workplace design review, handling aids | 2 | 2 | 🟢 4 |
| Inadequate grip/sharp edges | Gloves provided, inspection procedures | 2 | 2 | 🟢 4 | Edge protection, better packaging | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
| Environmental conditions | Weather monitoring, postponement policy | 2 | 2 | 🟢 4 | Indoor storage, covered areas | 2 | 1 | 🟢 2 |
PPE Requirements¶
- Safety footwear
- Work gloves
- Back support (if recommended)
- High visibility vest (loading areas)
Training Requirements¶
- Manual handling techniques
- Risk assessment
- Use of mechanical aids
- Body mechanics
- Injury prevention
- Load assessment
Emergency Procedures¶
- First aid procedures
- Injury reporting
- Occupational health referral
- Return to work process
- Rehabilitation support
Monitoring¶
- Technique observations
- Injury statistics
- Training records
- Equipment maintenance
- Near miss reports
Risk Assessment Summary¶
Risk Scoring Matrix¶
- Severity (S): 1=Negligible, 2=Minor, 3=Serious, 4=Catastrophic
- Likelihood (L): 1=Remote, 2=Unlikely, 3=Likely, 4=Almost Certain
- Risk Rating: 🟢 Low (1-5), 🟡 Medium (6-11), 🔴 High (12-16)
Document Control¶
- All risk assessments reviewed annually
- Update following incidents or changes
- Approved by senior management
- Communicated to all relevant parties
Related Documents¶
- APP_07 Hazard Identification Log
- MAN01_INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IMS) MANUAL
- APP_12 Training Matrix
Risk Scoring Matrix (4 × 4)¶
- Severity (S): 1 = Negligible · 2 = Minor · 3 = Serious · 4 = Catastrophic
- Likelihood (L): 1 = Remote · 2 = Unlikely · 3 = Likely · 4 = Almost Certain
- Risk Rating (R = S × L): 🟢 Low (1-5) · 🟡 Medium (6-11) · 🔴 High (12-16)
This RA uses the same 4 × 4 matrix applied across APP_07, APP_08 and all sister RAs for auditor consistency.
How this document is approved
This document is maintained under AMWS's continuous-compliance model. Substantive revisions are reviewed and signed off by the Directors at the standing weekly Director / HSQE compliance call (Sean Ashton, Onyx + Leanne Mason). Currency, cross-references and minor edits are checked at the monthly Onyx site visit. The annual Management Review (September) provides the strategic-level confirmation. Compliance is therefore continuous, not gated on a single annual meeting.