Manual handling hazards - liquor retail industry

Hazard 1

Many liquor retailers require employees to carry out manual handling tasks above shoulder height, both on the shop floor and in the cool room where cartons of
liquor are displayed or stored.

To reach stock above shoulder height, the back is arched and the arms act as long levers, making the load difficult to control and significantly increasing the risk
of injury.

Hazard 2

Employees are often asked to carry out manual handling tasks, which force them to bend and twist the spine significantly when lifting cartons on to or off a racking
system.

Without the use of an appropriate working platform, employees’ movements are restricted, compelling the employee to adopt extreme postures and placing them
at a greater risk of injury to the back. 

Hazard 3

Identified as a significant concern were tasks that involve repetitive movements and maintaining static postures. This can occur through the repetitive scanning of bottles and cartons.

Both repetitive movements and maintaining static postures can lead to occupational overuse syndrome.

• Store heavier and frequently used items on shelves that are between knee and chest height. 
• Provide alternative ways to place and retrieve items in storage areas such as using a suitable working platform to prevent employees having to lift above shoulder height or adopting a poor posture. 
• Stock levels need to be managed to ensure there is adequate space to access around displays and store areas. 
• Whenever possible, repetitive tasks should be combined with non-repetitive tasks. Alternatively, frequent breaks could be included in the work schedule. 
• The workplace layout and equipment should be designed to enable work to be completed in an upright posture.

WorkSafe has identified manual handling as a priority area. Regulation 3.4 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 specifically details the requirement to manage, as far as practicable, manual handling hazards in the workplace.

The regulations outline the three-step process, which involves:

1. Hazard identification 
2. Risk assessment 
3. Risk control

Further information on the manual handling risk management process can be found in the Manual tasks code of practice, 2000.