Australian Capital Territory
Occupational Health and Safety (National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from the Performing of Manual Tasks at Work) Code of Practice 2008 
Disallowable instrument DI2008–32
made under the  
Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989, section 206 (Codes of Practice)

Explanatory Statement

Section 206(1)) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 provides that the Minister may approve a code of practice to provide practical guidance about the Act Section 206(2) provides that before approving a proposed code of practice, the Minister must refer the proposed code to the ACT Occupational Health and Safety Council (the Council) for its consideration, and take into account any relevant recommendation made by the Council.  At its 88th meeting on 23 November 2007, the Council approved the National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders for the Performing of Manual Tasks at Work (ASCC 2007) as a Code of Practice (the Code).

The Code provides guidance to prevent injury and illness to persons engaged in manual tasks at work.  It sets out practical guidance on how to reduce the risks of musculoskeletal disorder from manual tasks performed at work. 

An employer, an owner of premises used as a workplace, a designer, manufacturer or supplier of places of work or of items for use in a workplace, a health and safety representative, an OHS professional, a worker or anyone else interested in reducing the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal injuries that may arise as a result of performing manual tasks at work, will implement the recommended procedures for managing the risks that arise from performing manual tasks at work. 

The objects of the Code are to assist in reducing the incidence and severity of injuries to workers from the performance of manual tasks, and to reduce injury costs.

Following the Code could produce benefits that include-

•	improved business performance, efficiency and productivity;
•	fewer workers’ compensation claims, which may lead to lower premiums;
•	faster and easier return to work for workers who do sustain an injury;
•	fewer absences from work, and less disruption;
•	retention of skilled workers;  and
•	a safe workplace with a positive safety culture.

This instrument takes effect the day after it is notified on the ACT Legislation Register.

An approval under section 206(1) is a disallowable instrument.