Injuries from performing manual tasks at work are a significant burden for the Western Australian Mining Industry. Reducing the extent and severity of such injuries is beneficial to all industry stakeholders. It is imperative that the risk management process be effectively implemented at the workplace. Current best practice is a participative ergonomics approach, which involves workers, assisted by an ergonomist or work health and safety personnel with skills in ergonomics, undertaking the risk management process.

Resources Safety’s Manual Tasks in Mining Fact Sheet 1 provides an overview of the manual task terminology.

Manual Tasks in Mining Fact Sheet 2 provides detail on the extent and cost of injuries.

Manual Tasks in Mining Fact Sheet 3, Manual Tasks in Mining Fact Sheet 4 and Manual Tasks in Mining Fact Sheet 5 provide more detail on how manual tasks at work cause injury, the risk management process and participative ergonomics, respectively.

Each mining workplace is different so there will be some variation in the most suitable approach to implement and administer a program to manage the risks associated with manual tasks. Key factors for effective programs that are applicable to all workplaces are described in the guide for mining workplaces: Implementing effective programs to manage risks associated with manual tasks.

Fact sheets

• Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 1: Terminology
• Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 2: Extent and cost of injuries
• Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 3: How injuries can happen at work
• Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 4: Manual tasks and the risk management process
• Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 5: Participative ergonomics
• Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 6: Whole-body vibration
• Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 7: Hand-arm vibration
• Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 8: Machinery and vehicle cab design
• Manual tasks in mining fact sheet No 9: Safe design

Scoping study

• Manual handling review of WA mining industry project: scoping study

Mines Safety Bulletin

• MSB No. 162: Inspection and maintenance of special purpose lifting plant and hoists