Lesson 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Before completing a manual task, workers should identify anything that could cause harm and assess how the task can be completed safely. Hazards may come from the task, equipment, work area, load or the condition and behaviour of the person being supported.
Common hazards
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A person who cannot reliably stand or support their weight
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Repetitive lifting, bending, reaching or twisting
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Heavy, unstable or difficult-to-grip objects
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Limited space around beds, chairs or equipment
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Wet, uneven or obstructed floors
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Equipment that is unavailable, damaged or unsuitable
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Working for long periods without enough recovery time
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Unexpected movement from a client, patient or load
Assessing the risk
Consider these questions before starting:
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Does the task require an awkward or sustained posture?
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Is high, sudden, repetitive or sustained force required?
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How often is the task performed, and for how long?
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Is the environment increasing the risk?
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Is appropriate equipment available and working correctly?
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Does the person’s current care plan explain the correct transfer method?
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Is trained assistance required?
Example
A worker needs to transfer a client from a bed to a wheelchair. The client feels weaker than usual and cannot stand safely. The worker should pause, review the care plan, check the available transfer equipment and request assistance. Attempting the transfer alone could injure both the worker and the client.
Controlling the risk
Where possible, eliminate the hazardous task. If it cannot be eliminated, reduce the risk by changing the task, improving the work area, using suitable mechanical aids, adjusting equipment height or obtaining trained assistance. Training should support these controls rather than being the only safety measure.
Reference: Safe Work Australia, Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks. Always follow workplace procedures, individual care plans and applicable state or territory requirements.