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Under Hazardous manual tasks · made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Controlling hazardous manual task risks — hierarchy of controls

High severity
FEDERAL · Controls Hazardous Manual Tasks > Risk Management > Controls § 4
The obligation
PCBUs must apply controls following the hierarchy: eliminate the task, substitute equipment/method, engineer out the hazard, use administrative controls, and lastly PPE.
The Code details control options at each level of the hierarchy. Elimination: redesign work so the task is unnecessary. Substitution: replace with mechanised handling (forklifts, hoists, conveyors). Engineering: ergonomic tool and workstation design, adjustable benches, team-lift equipment. Administrative: job rotation, pacing, training, safe work procedures. PPE: anti-vibration gloves, back supports (last resort only). …
What
PCBUs must apply controls following the hierarchy: eliminate the task, substitute equipment/method, engineer out the hazard, use administrative controls, and lastly PPE.
Source
safeworkaustralia.gov.au

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Labels
controls hierarchy of controls engineering substitution PPE
Official sources
Frequently asked questions

Which WHS law does this come from?

Controlling hazardous manual task risks — hierarchy of controls is a WHS requirement set out in Hazardous manual tasks (FEDERAL). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is Hazardous Manual Tasks > Risk Management > Controls § 4.

What does this WHS obligation require?

Controlling hazardous manual task risks — hierarchy of controls is a WHS obligation under Hazardous manual tasks (FEDERAL). In short, PCBUs must apply controls following the hierarchy: eliminate the task, substitute equipment/method, engineer out the hazard, use administrative controls, and lastly PPE.

What changed recently?

Controlling hazardous manual task risks — hierarchy of controls was last updated on 26 August 2026.

Where this sits

Hazardous manual tasks Work Health and Safety Act 2011 Federal Australia

About this Topic

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First seenAug 2026