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Manual handling tasks are those activities requiring the use of force exerted by a person lift, lower, push, pull, hold or restrain an object, item or load.

Tasks associated with the housekeeping of a workplace include:

• Ensuring a safe and clear means of access and egress, free of obstructions;
• Manual handling associated with the handling and storage of materials and plant;
• Team handling where mechanical aids are not practical;
• Use of mechanical aids to move loads;
• Storage of materials, objects and items;
• Conduct a hazard identification of the task to be undertaken;
• Assess risk to persons undertaking manual handling tasks at a workplace.

Control measures to eliminate or minimise the risk of death or injury to persons are addressed in the safe work method statement as per the following sections.

• Consultation with employees.
• Generation of hazards.
• Controls to implement when assessing a load to be lifted.
• Failure to maintain housekeeping of a workplace.
• Training in the control measures for the manual handling of a load.
• Workplace hazards not having controls to manage health and safety issues.
• Personal protective equipment requirements.
• Training requirements.
• Housekeeping requirements.
• Failure to monitor controls.
• Risk matrix and descriptors.
• Additional hazards, risks and controls.
• Approval and change management form.
• Sign-off for housekeeping.