Attention to prevention – managing sprains and strains in the retail tyre industry
Addressing the risk factors that contribute to sprain and strain injuries (musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs) can make workplaces safer and reduce the costs associated with these injuries.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and WorkCover Queensland launched a pilot project this month to help employers in the retail tyre industry manage MSDs. This initiative is providing free tips and advice on how to prevent work-related MSDs, and what to do after an MSD claim has been accepted.
The project involves guidance and support for employers at their place of work on how to use the range of resources on offer, including a review and management of hazardous manual tasks and slips, trips and falls, which are the leading causes for work-related MSD injury in Queensland.
Employers will be encouraged to address the risks by using effective work design solutions that don’t rely solely on the fitness of individual workers. Solutions could include:
- fixing or sourcing a pneumatic tyre lifter for the tyre changer
- review how tyres are received, stored and retrieved, or
- improve lighting, clean up spills, or tidy walkways to avoid slips, trips and falls.