|  | | primary industry module . . . |
Manual Handling In the primary industry manual handling injury from the way objects are handled or the way the body is moved may be a serious problem. Strain injuries can occur through sudden overexertion or continuous overuse. Back injuries are one of the most serious types of strain. Too much strain on your back can lead to long-term damage. You may be at risk of injury through: increased wear and tear or strain from physically demanding activities such as handling products, livestock, bags of seed or fertiliser, hay bales or crates of fruit or fish; gradual wear and tear from frequent, continuous or lengthy periods of activity handling objects; heavy or awkward lifting such as loading items on to a truck; or sudden injury from stumbling, tripping or falling while carrying heavy objects over uneven ground.
 | | People who suffer from a manual handling injury at work can spend the rest of their lives coping with pain and be unable to do a lot of things other people can do. |
Your employer should train you and provide information and supervision for manual handling tasks, including safe work procedures to reduce the risk of injury. Safe work procedures may include: lightening the load; team lifting; warming up before working; reducing bending, twisting and reaching; using correct body techniques when lifting, lowering or carrying; using mechanical aids such as trolleys, hoists, ramps and barrows; allocating time for rest breaks; and allowing time to gradually get used to a new job.
| | Even though you may be young and new to the job, you should speak up if you feel your job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of injury. |
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