Transport & Logistics Manual Handling Training
Manual handling assessments, training, and injury prevention programs for warehouse, delivery, and logistics personnel, delivered by WHS specialists with industry experience.
What Is Manual Handling in the Transport Industry?
Manual handling is central to transport and logistics work, from loading and unloading freight to shifting pallets, boxes, and equipment. However, these tasks can result in sprains, strains, and severe back injuries without proper technique.
Common risk factors include:
- Repetitive lifting, pushing, and pulling
- Use of trolleys or pallet jacks on uneven ground
- Fast-paced loading/unloading in confined areas
- Prolonged driving or sedentary postures
- Handling awkward or oversized loads
Practical training reduces injury risk while improving performance, safety, and delivery timelines.
Book a Free Online Meeting With Our Safety Team
We’ve worked with national freight operators, courier networks, and warehouse teams across Australia. Book a free video consultation to review your manual handling processes and explore custom training options, including task-specific videos and toolbox sessions.
Choose your state to schedule a session or call us directly to find a time that fits your roster.
Who Manages Safe Manual Handling in Transport?
Under WHS laws, duty holders in transport and logistics include business owners, warehouse managers, depot supervisors, and fleet coordinators. Drivers and loaders also share responsibility for identifying and managing risks.
Early engagement with workers helps identify hazards, like poorly designed loading areas or incorrect lifting practices, before they result in claims or downtime.
Read More: Fines & Penalties
Recent Fines For Non Compliance In The Construction Industry
In 2022 there were 120 employers who were fined for safety breaches in Victoria by Worksafe. Construction accounted for 47 of those employers (More than 120 employers fined for safety breaches in 2022 | WorkSafe Victoria)
SafeWork NSW is warning businesses they will face fines and potential prosecution if they fail to report incidents after the workplace regulator this year issued 140 compliance notices and over $55,000 in fines for breaches with one-third of all offences occurring in the construction industry. (SafeWork warning follows upward trend in failure to notify and disturbance of scenes | SafeWork NSW)
Fines for non-compliance with WHS:
Specific penalties for non-compliance:
- Worksafe QLD Penalties | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au
- Safe Work Australia Penalties under the WHS laws | Safe Work Australia
What Does The Code Of Practice Say About Manual Task Risk Management In Construction?
This Code provides guidance on how to manage the risks associated with hazardous manual tasks that have the potential to cause an MSD in the workplace using the following systematic process:
- Identify hazardous manual tasks—find out what could cause harm.
- Assess risks, if necessary—understand the nature of the harm that could be caused by the hazard, how serious the harm could be and the likelihood of it happening. This step may not be necessary if you are dealing with a known risk with known controls.
- Eliminate risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
- Control risks—if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, implement the most effective control measures that are reasonably practicable in the circumstances in accordance with the hierarchy of control measures, and ensure they remain effective over time.
- Review control measures to ensure they are working as planned.
Access More Resources
- Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks
- Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks
- Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work
Why Training Is Essential in Logistics and Transport
Manual handling injuries in this sector are among the most costly and time-consuming, with thousands of hours lost each year to back injuries and overexertion. Unlike other industries, transport and logistics combine high-force tasks with high time pressure and variable environments.
Simple adjustments in technique, equipment use, and layout design—supported by practical training—can significantly reduce risk and keep your workforce moving safely and efficiently.
Questions & Free Quotes