Hazard identification is a key step in preventing injury and disease in the workplace. Where there's a risk, you need to stop and think. You need to think about what you are about to do, the potential risks and the likely effects on yourself and other people.  

The 3 Step Approach to Hazard Identification:  

1.	Spot the hazard.
	Be alert at work! Notice potential hazards and work out what the problem is.
2.	Assess the risk.
	Talk to your supervisor about the hazard and work out a way to solve the problem.
3.	Make the changes.
	Follow through. Carry out the agreed actions in order to solve the problem.

Manual Handling  

Manual handling is a major part of a worker's job in the Retail Industry. Associated activities in this industry include stacking shelves, stacking cartons on pallets, moving trolleys, and packing stock.  

Manual handling is not just about lifting heavy objects, but includes any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, hold or restrain a person, animal or thing.  

Manual handling injuries include:  

• strains and sprains; 
• neck and back injury; 
• slips, falls and crush incidents; 
• cuts, bruises and broken bones; 
• hernia; and 
• occupational overuse syndrome (OOS), once known as RSI. 

For the last three years (1993/94 - 1995/96) 62% of all injuries in the retail industry in Queensland were strain related. The majority of these injuries resulted from manual handling activities.  

Strain injuries occur through sudden overexertion or continuous overuse. Back injuries are one of the most serious types of strain. Excessive strain on your back can lead to long-term damage.  

How Do You Know if a Manual Handling Activity is a Problem?  

As a young worker you are more likely to be injured through manual handling work than an older worker. Your body is still developing and is less able to cope with strain.  

Persistent muscular aches or pains may indicate that there is excessive physical stress.  

There are a range of risk factors associated with manual handling activities. These risk factors increase the likelihood of the activity resulting in injury.  

Some of the main risk factors in the Retail Industry are associated with -  

frequent or prolonged handling involving:  

• bending where the hands pass below mid-thigh level; 
• reaching above the shoulder; or 
• twisting the back. 

• shape, size or instability; 
• heavy weight; or 
• being placed or stored below mid-thigh level or above the shoulder. 

Talk to your supervisor and your occupational health and safety officer or representative.  

They can work together to make sure the task is properly assessed.  

Controlling Manual Handling Problems 
1. Eliminate double handling.  

Example: reduce the number of times an object is handled. Where possible move the stock directly from delivery to display.  

2. Change the size or weight of packaging.  
Example: flour available in 25kg bags for a bakery could also be available in smaller bags weighing 12.5kgs. Smaller bags can be lifted and handled more easily.  

3. Reduce push/pull forces.  
Example: employers could limit the number of shopping trolleys to be collected at one time by employees.  

4. Work at the correct height.  
Example: Use stable, sturdy, step stools to enable easy access to stock that is out of reach.  

5. Training and Education.  
You should be informed and trained in:  

• safe manual handling methods; 
• specific manual handling hazards; 
• safe work procedures; 
• using manual handling aids; and 
• the right to ask for help. 

Even though you may be young and new to the job, as a young employee you have a responsibility to speak up if you feel your job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of injury.  

It is the employer's responsibility to provide you with safe work procedures, and with instruction, training and supervision for manual handling tasks.  

Ways to reduce the risk:  

• lighten loads (break loads into smaller quantities); 
• reduce bending, twisting, reaching movements; and 
• prevent muscle strain and fatigue. This includes warming up before working, allocating time for rest breaks, and allowing time to gradually get used to a new job.