Manual Handling Incidents

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common workplace injuries, frequently resulting in significant pain, long-term impairment, and extended periods away from work. These injuries may develop gradually over time through repetitive tasks, sustained force, awkward postures, or poor work design, while others occur suddenly as a result of a single high-load or uncontrolled movement. In many cases, however, the injury mechanism involves a combination of cumulative exposure and acute overload, making the factors contributing to causation complex and issues of liability difficult to determine. 

Attribution of hazardous manual handling remains a leading contributor to MSDs, in tasks which may involve high force, repetition, awkward or sustained postures, or exposure to vibration. These risk factors can lead to sprains, strains, back injuries, and chronic conditions. While common, these injuries are also highly preventable when appropriate controls are in place—such as improved task design, mechanical aids, and effective training.

Ergonomists play a critical role in investigating these injuries by applying an understanding of human biomechanics, anatomy, and work systems. We assess how tasks are performed in reality, not just how they are intended to be performed. We examine factors such as force demands, frequency, posture, environmental constraints, and the availability and suitability of controls. This allows us to form an evidence-based view on whether a task was likely to contribute to the reported injury.

Investigating workplace musculoskeletal injuries is complex, as the duty of care is shared across multiple parties—including the Person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), designers, manufacturers, suppliers, managers, and the worker. How these responsibilities intersect, and what practicable steps to manage risk, were taken is central to establishing where any liability ultimately sits.

At Dohrmann Consulting, our ergonomics experts are experienced in investigating these complex scenarios. We differentiate between injuries arising from cumulative wear and tear over time and those resulting from discrete events or acute overload. Our approach combines detailed task analysis, biomechanical assessment, review of documentation and training systems, and consideration of industry standards and guidelines.

We are regularly engaged by legal professionals to provide independent, objective opinions on causation. By clearly identifying the mechanisms of injury and the presence or absence of appropriate risk controls, we assist in establishing whether an injury is task-related and where liability may sit.

When the cause of a manual handling incident is unclear or disputed, a detailed ergonomic investigation can provide clarity through the application of human factors principles, scientific analysis and real-world industry experience.