Changes to Vic Manual Handling Regulations

Sent to me by someone very close to this with real concerns but for good reason has to remain anonymous

With Victoria undergoing a review of the Occupational Health & Safety Regulations 2007 it will be interesting to see what change if any, will occur to Part 3.1—Manual Handling.

Given that Manual Handling (MH) accounts for around 50% of all injuries/claims in the workplace there has been very little change over several years. The cost of MH pain and suffering is huge in line with the data numbers. This is a cost to the state, business & community. So we know all about that information but why is it that we cannot make significant change to the MH issue.

If these same numbers related to chemicals, hearing loss or falls I am sure the regulators, community, unions and business would be up in arms to fix the problem. So I am reaching out to the community to ask:

1. Why we cannot make improvement to the MH claims/costs

2. In terms of MH what have we got wrong

3. How can we make it right to bring down the MH numbers relating pain, suffering & cost.

Perhaps there is a simple answer out there but has never been published – so here is your chance to shine & make real change.