Ensuring that your workers receive appropriate and sufficient training is crucial. WorkCover Queensland emphasizes the importance of training to complement existing safety measures in the workplace.
Why is training important?
Hazardous manual task (HMT) training supports implemented solutions, such as specifying necessary equipment and providing instructions on safely performing specific HMT. It also helps workers and management identify, understand, and address HMT, including associated risk factors and solutions to mitigate those risks. It's essential to comply with legal requirements related to safety systems and procedures, as outlined in legislation such as the Hazardous manual tasks code of practice 2021 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011.
What does suitable HMT training cover?
Suitable HMT training should address manual task risk management, identification of HMT, risk factors (force, postures, vibration, repetition, duration, mental stress-work pressure), control measures, safe performance of specific tasks using mechanical aids and tools, and reporting problems or maintenance issues. The training should use language and examples that are easily understood by all workers.
Who needs to be trained?
Workers performing, supervising, or managing HMT, as well as those involved in equipment selection and maintenance, job/task design and organization, and health and safety representation, should undergo training.
When do workers need to be trained?
Training should occur when starting a new job (e.g., during induction) and on an ongoing basis. It is necessary when a risk of sprain or strain injuries persists after higher-order controls (e.g., automation, mechanical devices) are implemented, and the remaining risk must be minimized through administrative controls.
When should training be reviewed?
Regular reviews are essential, especially when there are changes in work processes, plant or equipment, implementation of new controls, or alterations affecting task performance. Reviews are also necessary in response to legislative changes.
Training records
Maintain comprehensive records of both induction and ongoing HMT training, including the date of training, topics covered, the trainer's name and signature, and the names of workers attending each session. This ensures a transparent and accountable record-keeping system.