Earth Resources Tripartite Safety (ERTS) Forum

Michael Terry, Acting Manager, Earth Resources and Renewable Construction Teams chaired the ERTS Forum – Meeting 2 on 15 July 2026 at 10:00am.

Megan Kennedy, Senior Ergonomist, WorkSafe Victoria presented on Manual Handling – having visited many sites, she said that Manual Handling is only an issue when it becomes hazardous.

It relates to repetitive or sustained actions; for example, drilling, painting or typing.

An ‘Application of force’ may refer to lifting or pulling, or an action which most people would find difficult.

‘Vibration’ is also an issue in the earth resources industry – particularly with the use of machinery and equipment; for example, bull dozers and excavators. There was concern that this important issue had not been adequately addressed by WorkSafe.

Hazardous manual handling can lead to Muscular Skeletal Disorder (MSD), with the most common injuries being back and shoulder.

The average cost for a manual handling claim is $150K, which is currently the highest claim factor in Victoria.

“Employers need to be specific and detailed about the actions their employees are undertaking, relating to manual handling,” said Megan.

WorkSafe Victoria has documentation which covers compliance and minimising the risk of hazardous manual handling. ‘Risk Control Measures’ refers to changing practices in the workplace.
An identification tool and other resources are available on the WorkSafe website, to help employers comply with Manual Handling.