Download this resource
Available in the following formats:
What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how hazardous manual tasks are identified and managed in their workplace. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where physical demands and injury risks need closer attention. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check how manual tasks are handled.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on how hazardous manual tasks are identified, assessed, and controlled in everyday work. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current approaches reduce risk and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Manual task risks are common but not always obvious until injuries occur. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like when managing physical demands at work. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps businesses set clearer priorities for improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about how manual task risks are managed.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how tasks are actually performed rather than how they are meant to be done. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real movements, loads, postures, and work conditions.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work activities, equipment, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how hazardous manual task risks are identified and managed in practice. They look for evidence that tasks have been considered, risks assessed, and controls applied to reduce strain and injury. Tools like this checklist help demonstrate informed decision-making rather than reactive responses.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to real changes in how work is done.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What are hazardous manual tasks?
They are tasks that involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, holding, or repetitive movements that can strain the body. The checklist helps review how these tasks are managed in practice.
Is this checklist only for physically demanding jobs?
No. Manual task risks can exist in offices, retail, and other lower-risk environments. The checklist helps identify issues wherever physical work is involved.
Does completing the checklist prevent injuries?
No. The checklist helps identify risks and gaps but does not prevent injuries on its own. It supports better decisions and improvements to how work is carried out.
How often should manual tasks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when tasks change, new equipment is introduced, or injuries or discomfort are reported. Many businesses also review periodically to catch issues early.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s60–s61 – Hazardous Manual Tasks – Establishes duties to identify hazardous manual tasks, assess musculoskeletal risks, and implement effective control measures.
Hazardous Manual Tasks – Provides practical guidance on identifying risk factors, assessing manual handling hazards, and applying control strategies to reduce injury.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.