Lifting, carrying, and transporting materials is part of daily life in industries like construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. But without the right systems in place, it’s easy for efficiency to be affected—or worse, for injuries to happen. A WorkSafe manual handling checklist helps streamline inspections and ensure your team follows best practices for safety and productivity on every job.
Key elements of the WorkSafe manual handling checklist
By covering these five crucial elements, the checklist supports your team in maintaining compliance and preventing injuries:
- Task preparation: This section ensures your team is ready to handle the load safely. It covers tasks like conducting risk assessments, clearing the workspace, and securing the load. Proper preparation reduces unnecessary hazards.
- Lifting techniques: A focus on safe movements ensures workers lift with their legs, keep their backs straight, and hold the load close to their body. Avoiding twisting motions during lifting reduces the risk of strain and injuries.
- Load characteristics: Assessing the weight, size, and stability of a load ensures it’s safe to move. This section helps identify any potential issues, like sharp edges or unstable items, that could cause accidents.
- Environmental factors: This part checks conditions like flooring, lighting, and weather to ensure the workspace is safe. A clutter-free, well-lit environment allows you to avoid slips and falls.
- Personal capacity: Workers’ physical readiness is critical. This section evaluates whether the individual is trained, wearing appropriate attire, and physically prepared to perform manual handling tasks without risk.
When to use the WorkSafe manual handling checklist
Manual handling tasks might seem routine, but they often involve hidden risks that can lead to injuries or inefficiencies. You can use this checklist whenever your team is moving, lifting, or transporting items, particularly in high-risk environments like warehouses, construction sites, or manufacturing floors.
This template is also invaluable during new task assessments or when introducing unfamiliar loads or procedures. You’ll be able to account for factors like worker capacity, load stability, and workspace conditions.
Additionally, it’s also a handy tool for compliance audits or training sessions, where identifying and documenting risks is key. By integrating it into your regular operations, you create a proactive approach to workplace safety, improving workflows and minimizing downtime caused by accidents.
Download your WorkSafe manual handling checklist today
Put safety first and streamline your operations with this checklist. Designed to save time and reduce risks, this template guides you through critical checks like task preparation, lifting techniques, and load evaluation. Whether you’re training a team or conducting routine inspections, you’ll stay organized and compliant.