Rocco's Back Has A Story For You 📦
Manual Handling: Use the Trolley
The Takeaway
It's not one lift that gets you, it's the thousand before it. Body stressing (lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying and repetitive movement) is the biggest cause of serious workers' compensation claims in Australia.
- Heavy, awkward or repeated? Use the gear first: a trolley, pallet jack or hoist.
- Can't get the load to waist height, or it's too heavy? Stop and talk to your supervisor about changing the job.
Fix the job, not your back. Lifting technique alone isn't enough.
The numbers: Australia 2024-25 (preliminary): body stressing accounted for 51,800 of 147,200 serious claims (35.2%) (Safe Work Australia, Key WHS Statistics).
The Script
Rocco: "My back's got a story for you."
Manny: "It's one box, Rocco. Quicker if I just lift it."
Rocco: "Said that every day for years. It's not one lift that gets you, it's the thousand before it."
Ally: "Trolley's right there. Heavy, awkward or repeated? Use the gear first."
Gelo: "Can't get it closer to waist height, or it's too heavy? Stop and talk to your supervisor about changing the job."
Manny: "Huh. Quicker and I can still stand up straight."
Rocco: "Now you're learning, young fella."
Rocco: "What's the heaviest thing you lift at work?"
Rocco's back story is part of the sketch, not a real case.
What's the Heaviest Thing You Lift at Work?
Tell us in the comments on the Short, or send us a message.
More From Rocco
Sources
- Safe Work Australia: Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia
- Safe Work Australia: Lifting, pushing and pulling (manual tasks)
- Safe Work Australia: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks
Characters and voices are AI-generated. General safety information only, not legal advice. Follow your site's procedures.