Human Resources Division

Manual Handling, Ergonomics and Computer Work

Ergonomics and computer work

        Spend a few minutes making adjustments to your working posture and set-up to avoid back
        and neck pain as well as the risk of more serious conditions. Put it up on your office noticeboard.

        Short 2 minute video on adjusting your posture and set-up at work and at home to
        reduce discomfort and the risk of injury

        A series of simple, low risk exercises that can be done in the office: put the poster up in
        your office.

        Comprehensive workstation assessment

        More detailed advice about setting up your work station

        Link to the Apple ergonomics website which provides detailed information on safety and
        computer work-stations

        Link to office ergonomics guidelines from the University of Sydney

        Space allocation standards for staff and other University activities

back to top

Manual handling

Manual handling is much more than lifting or lowering an object. It also includes restraining, pulling, carrying, holding, throwing and activities involving sustained (awkward) posture, repetitive actions and use of equipment or tools that have a vibration component. Manual handling also includes keyboard work. At Deakin the most common manual handling activity is keyboard work but there are a wide range of other manual handling activities that occur every day such as reloading the photocopier, carrying materials to lectures, sorting, lifting, using tools and handling files.

Managers and supervisors must identify all hazardous manual handling tasks and put into place appropriate control measures.

Supporting forms and worksheets:

Specific guidelines:


Posters

back to top

Virtual Office

Virtual Office is a risk management tool to help you identify hazards and control risks in an office environment.

Deakin University acknowledges the traditional land owners of present campus sites.

15th April 2013