About this topic
Musculoskeletal injuries from manual handling are the most common workplace injury in Australian construction. The White Card exam tests the definition of a hazardous manual task (HMT) and the FARV risk factors.
Key facts to remember
- There is NO prescribed weight limit under Australian WHS law, the risk factors define the hazard.
- FARV: Force, Awkward posture, Repetition, Vibration.
- An HMT requires at least one of the FARV factors, not just 'being heavy'.
- Safe lifting: bend knees, keep load close, avoid twisting, plan the route first.
- Team lifts, mechanical aids, and task redesign are preferred over 'lift carefully'.
- Back injuries can be caused by sustained awkward postures even without lifting.
Related topics
Ready to test yourself?
Our 552-question bank includes dedicated drills for every topic.
Start Manual Handling drill Full practice test