Hazards/Risks
Risks arise from the use of high force and/or awkward postures from the manual lifting,
lowering and handling of materials, stock and equipment.
Stacking that is unstable, unbalanced or too high creates an issue, as do falls from height (e.g. from ladders and mezzanine storage areas). Exceeding safe working load ratings and damaged supports are also risks.
When using mechanical lifting and positioning aids (e.g. forklifts) to lift, stack or transfer stock,
other hazards related to traffic management and equipment use are introduced.
This includes the use of attachments not authorised for use on forklifts.
Safety Solutions
1. Ensure racking is suitable for the product type and that load ratings are known and not exceeded.
2. Ensure tyres and parts are not stored above shoulder height, or at too low a level.
3. Keep minimum stock on-site, based on usage rates, to avoid over-stacking or crowding of storage areas.
4. Minimise double handling by creating storage areas as close as possible to where work is done.
5. Strictly follow limits on layered/pyramid stacking.
6. Roll, rather than lift by hand, car and truck tyres and wheels, or use mechanical aids.
7. Use mobile access platforms to access stock stored above shoulder height.
8. Ensure mezzanine storage areas have guard rails and purpose-built stair access with a hand rail.
9. Use appropriate, industrial use, A-frame platform ladders
10. Use mechanical aids to lift items up to racking above shoulder height or to mezzanine storage.
11. Store tyres and parts in ‘stillages’ (e.g. crates, bins, pallets, racks) that can be safely stacked and/or moved with a forklift. Implement a strict traffic management plan if forklifts are used.
12. Do not allow workers to stand on forklift arms as part of loading and unloading.
13. A Licence to Perform High Risk Work is required for forklift operation. While forklifts offer a practical materials handling solution, they continue to be associated with workplace deaths and injuries.
Further information
SafeWork SA High Risk Work – Guide to Forklift
Safety
safework.sa.gov.au