MF-005 · Free microlearning

Manual Handling & Catch/Load Movement

Awareness learning for people lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving catch, stores, equipment and loads on New Zealand commercial maritime and fishing vessels.

What you will learn

  • how hazardous manual tasks can cause sprains, strains and longer-term musculoskeletal harm
  • why weight alone does not determine whether a task is safe
  • how repetition, force, posture, vessel movement, slippery surfaces and load stability change risk
  • why task design and mechanical assistance should be considered before relying on lifting technique
  • when to stop, reassess, get help or report discomfort and unsafe conditions.
This is not a “how to lift” certificate. A short online course cannot make a poorly designed or high-risk manual task safe.
Lesson 2

Where this learning fits

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, PCBUs must manage risks to workers' health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable. That includes work-related musculoskeletal risks from hazardous manual tasks.

  • WorkSafe's current NZ manual-task resources cover lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling and repetitive tasks.
  • NZMAC can help assess lifting, carrying and team-handling tasks; NZRAPP addresses pushing and pulling.
  • There is no single legal maximum weight that makes every manual-handling task safe or unsafe.
  • On a vessel, the task must also be considered in its actual environment and under the vessel's safety system and instructions.

MF-005 is awareness learning. It does not replace a task-specific risk assessment, ergonomic assessment, practical instruction, vessel induction or supervision.

Lesson 3

Risk is more than the weight

Risk can increase with:

  • high, sudden, repetitive or sustained force
  • frequent or prolonged handling
  • twisting, reaching, stooping or other awkward/sustained postures
  • large, unstable, awkward, wet, sharp or shifting loads
  • poor grip, limited space or difficult access
  • wet/slippery decks, vessel movement, cold, poor lighting or time pressure
  • fatigue and insufficient recovery between demanding tasks.
Changing conditions matter. A task manageable alongside may become unsafe when the vessel moves, the deck is wet, the catch shifts, access is obstructed or fatigue increases.
Lesson 4

Control the task — not just the worker

Do not treat lifting technique as the main control for a hazardous task. First look at whether the task or exposure can be eliminated or reduced.

  • avoid unnecessary manual movement where reasonably practicable
  • use suitable mechanical aids, handling equipment or better storage/transfer arrangements where practicable
  • reduce load size, reach distance, carrying distance, repetition or awkward positioning
  • plan access and keep the route/deck clear and as slip-resistant as practicable
  • organise work, staffing and recovery so high physical demands are controlled
  • provide task-specific information, instruction, training and supervision.

PPE such as gloves or suitable footwear may help with particular hazards, but PPE does not remove excessive force, repetition or poor task design.

Lesson 5

Catch and loads can move too

Fish, bins, stores, gear and other loads may shift as the vessel moves. A load can also obstruct your view or affect your balance.

  • check the route, deck condition and destination before moving the load
  • consider whether the load can shift, spill, roll or expose you to sharp surfaces
  • do not carry a load that prevents safe footing or visibility
  • keep clear of suspended loads and machinery/line-of-fire hazards covered in MF-004
  • use the vessel's equipment and handling arrangements as instructed
  • if conditions change during the task, stop and reassess rather than forcing the movement.
Lesson 6

Team handling and early reporting

Adding another person does not automatically make a difficult task safe. Team handling can introduce coordination, visibility and uneven-load risks.

  • plan who leads, the route, timing and where the load will be placed
  • make sure everyone understands the movement before starting
  • use suitable assistance/equipment rather than defaulting to a team lift when the task remains high risk
  • report pain, discomfort, recurring difficulty, damaged handling equipment or unsafe task design early
  • review tasks after changes, incidents, near misses or repeated reports of discomfort.
Early discomfort is useful safety information. Repeated soreness or difficulty can indicate the task needs redesign or further assessment; it should not simply be normalised as part of the job.
Lesson 7

Stop · Think · Act

Scenario: You normally move full fish bins a short distance with another crew member. The deck is now wet and moving heavily, the route is partly obstructed and your partner says their shoulder is sore.

What is the best response?

Lesson 8

Knowledge check

Answer all four correctly to complete this awareness module.

1. What determines manual-task risk?

2. What should be considered before relying on lifting technique?

3. Which statement about team handling is correct?

4. What does completing MF-005 demonstrate?