Hazardous Manual Handling Risk Management
Reducing body stressing injuries through structured, evidence-based management of hazardous manual tasks.
Musculoskeletal disorders remain the leading cause of workplace injury in Australia, with Body Stressing accounting for 34.5% of all serious claims (2023–24). With only 28.2% of all claims involving no lost time, the data shows that when a body stressing injury occurs, it is highly likely to require time off work.
While occupational physiotherapy primarily targets the prevention and management of body stressing injuries, Servare’s holistic focus on mental and social health means we also expect to see reductions in injuries arising from other mechanisms listed in this table. For more information, refer to Mental and Social Health.
Injury Claim Statistics (2023–24)
| Mechanism | Claims | % of Total | Median Time Lost (weeks) | Median Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body stressing | 50,600 | 34.5% | 9.2 | $19,400 |
| Falls, trips and slips | 32,000 | 21.8% | 8.6 | $17,800 |
| Being hit by moving objects | 23,400 | 16.0% | 5.2 | $12,700 |
| Mental stress | 16,800 | 11.5% | 36.8 | $69,900 |
| Hitting objects with body | 9,900 | 6.8% | 3.6 | $9,800 |
| Vehicle incidents and other | 6,700 | 4.5% | 8.0 | $18,800 |
| Biological factors | 3,900 | 2.7% | 1.2 | $1,900 |
| Heat, electricity, environmental | 1,900 | 1.3% | 2.4 | $3,800 |
| Chemicals and substances | 1,200 | 0.8% | 3.4 | $7,000 |
| Sounds and pressure | 200 | 0.1% | 11.0 | $21,400 |
Note: injury data obtained from Safe Work Australia Statistics.
How we partner with workplaces to reduce risk and prevent injury
We manage hazardous manual task risk using purpose-built assessment tools informed by the recognised PErforM framework, ensuring a structured and evidence-based approach. Throughout the process, we consult closely with the workplace, engaging workers and leaders to ensure hazards are accurately identified and controls are practical and effective.
As experts in the musculoskeletal system, our clinicians are well-equipped to identify and assess physical risk factors and collaborate directly with those performing the tasks to design controls that meaningfully reduce strain and prevent injury.
Data gathered throughout the risk assessment process is captured and fed into our Data and Insights Portal, where risk levels and reductions are calculated and displayed.
While managing hazardous manual task risks is essential for reducing body stressing injuries, these injuries often arise from a mix of physical and psychosocial factors. Effective prevention therefore requires risk management to be integrated with broader wellbeing-promoting initiatives.
Ready to protect your workforce?
Whether you’re looking to discuss onsite services, request a proposal, or explore how Servare can partner with your organisation, we’d love to hear from you.