In the campaign aiming to reduce musculoskeletal injuries among construction workers, WorCover Queensland emphasizes the leadership role of principal contractors in managing hazardous manual tasks at construction sites. The focus is on fostering awareness and benchmarking industry practices to improve hazardous manual tasks risk management.
The recently completed phase one involved advisory assessments of principal contractors' risk management systems, followed by on-site verification assessments. The key findings underscore the importance of robust industry leadership and collaboration with stakeholders to effectively address musculoskeletal disorders in construction.
The findings highlighted that reducing musculoskeletal disorders in construction requires strong industry leadership and collaboration with all stakeholders.
The results of phase 1 can be viewed below:
- Leadership in major contractors: preventing sprain and strain injuries campaign summary (PDF, 0.6 MB)
- Leadership in major contractors: preventing sprain and strain injuries campaign report. (PDF, 1.68 MB)
Phase 2 (to commence in July 2017) aims to:
- follow up assessments with organisations who participated in phase 1
- assess other major and large contractors.
Following phase one of the campaign, WHSQ will collaborate with participating organizations, discussing best practices and evaluating improvements in hazardous manual tasks (HMT) safety systems and risk controls. The initiative aims to measure industry-wide changes and assess compliance with HMT regulations under WHS legislation. Phase two will extend engagement to other major principal contractors, providing an opportunity for organizations in commercial and civil construction to enhance their current HMT risk management systems. The campaign targets large principal contractors across the state, with WHSQ initiating contact before phase two assessments.
How can WorCover Queensland assist your business in preparation?
For a comprehensive review of your hazardous manual tasks risk management strategies and readiness for an inspection, please consult the assessment tools provided:
- Utilize the Construction Hazardous Manual Tasks Risk Management Systems Assessment Tool (DOCX, 0.07 MB).
- Refer to the Construction Hazardous Manual Tasks Site Verification Assessment Tool (DOC, 0.17 MB).
Additionally, various other resources on hazardous manual tasks are available for download and application in your workplace.