Australia Manual Handling Risk Assessment Checklist
This manual handling risk assessment checklist ensures compliance with WHS Regulations (Managing Risks of Hazardous Manual Tasks), SafeWork Australia Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice, and ergonomic best practices. Manual handling injuries account for a significant proportion of workplace injuries in Australia. PCBUs must identify and manage risks from hazardous manual tasks.
- Industry: Construction
- Frequency: Quarterly / When tasks change
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: WHS Officer / Ergonomics Assessor
- Total Items: 29
- Compliance: WHS Regulations 2011, SafeWork Australia Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice, AS/NZS 4443
Task Identification & Characteristics
Identify manual handling task characteristics per Code of Practice.
- Does the task involve repetitive or sustained force?
- Does the task require sustained or awkward postures?
- Does the task involve high or sudden force?
- Is the worker exposed to vibration?
- Task performed frequently or for extended duration?
Load Characteristics
Assessment of loads being handled.
- Load weight within recommended limits?
- Is the load bulky, awkward, or difficult to grip?
- Is the load unstable or unpredictable?
- Carrying distance reasonable (minimised)?
- Mechanical aids available (trolleys, hoists)?
Work Environment
Environmental factors affecting manual handling.
- Floor surfaces even, clean, and non-slip?
- Adequate space for task performance?
- Adequate lighting for safe task performance?
- Temperature and humidity within comfortable range?
Posture & Body Mechanics
Assessment of postures during manual handling.
- Bending and twisting minimised?
- Reaching above shoulder or below knee minimised?
- Static postures avoided where possible?
- Work height appropriate for task?
- Adequate rest breaks provided for sustained tasks?
Risk Controls
Controls applied per hierarchy of controls.
- Can the manual handling task be eliminated?
- Can mechanical aids substitute manual handling?
- Engineering controls implemented (adjustable benches, conveyors)?
- Administrative controls in place (job rotation, training)?
- Workers trained in safe manual handling techniques?
Injury History & Monitoring
Review of injury history and ongoing monitoring.
- Manual handling injury reports reviewed?
- Early symptom reporting system in place?
- Workers consulted about manual handling risks?
- Review schedule established for reassessment?
- Additional observations
Related Safety Compliance Checklists
- Australia Workplace First Aid Compliance Checklist (WHS Code of Practice)
- Australia PPE Compliance Check Checklist (AS/NZS Standards)
- Australia Workplace Noise Monitoring Checklist (WHS Regulations)
- Australia Heat Stress Management Checklist (SafeWork Australia)
- Australia Welding & Hot Work Permit Checklist (AS 1674)
- Australia Hazardous Manual Tasks Checklist (Code of Practice)
- Australia General Workplace Inspection Checklist (WHS Act)
- Fire Drill Evaluation Checklist
Related Workplace Safety Checklists
- Australia Office WHS & Ergonomics Checklist - FREE Download
- Australia Remote & Home Office WHS Checklist - FREE Download
- Australia Security Services WHS Checklist - FREE Download
- Australia Public Sector Office WHS Checklist - FREE Download
- Batch 4H Br Checklist 1 - FREE Download
- Batch 4H Br Checklist 2 - FREE Download
- Batch 4H Br Checklist 3 - FREE Download
- Batch 4H Br Checklist 4 - FREE Download
- Batch 4H Br Checklist 5 - FREE Download
- Batch 4H Br Checklist 6 - FREE Download
Why Use This Australia Manual Handling Risk Assessment Checklist?
This australia manual handling risk assessment checklist helps construction teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for whs officer / ergonomics assessor professionals, this checklist covers 29 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly / when tasks change.
Ensures compliance with WHS Regulations 2011, SafeWork Australia Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice, AS/NZS 4443. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Australia Manual Handling Risk Assessment Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 29 inspection items across 6 sections: Task Identification & Characteristics, Load Characteristics, Work Environment, Posture & Body Mechanics, Risk Controls, Injury History & Monitoring. It is designed for construction operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed quarterly / when tasks change. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Australia Manual Handling Risk Assessment Checklist?
This checklist is designed for WHS Officer / Ergonomics Assessor professionals in the construction industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.