Research from the BMC Public Health Journal conducted in 2024 indicated that 61.75% of truck drivers develop some form of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) during their career.
This alarming statistic will almost certainly be applicable to the wide range of roles undertaken by the local government sector throughout WA. From sweeper and roller operators to rangers and parks and gardens workers, many may be affected in some way by MSD injury from the often sedentary yet physically demanding nature of their roles.
Over the past five years, LGIS has seen a steady increase in the number of hazardous manual task related claims:
Congratulations to the Shire of Yilgarn who were award their Tier 3 Silver diligence in Safety Award. James Sheridan, CEO LGIS and Christ Gilmour, Risk Specialist – Regional visited the Shire on Tuesday 26 February to meet the Yilgarn team and present the award.
Stopping income compensation payments can be a tricky matter for LGIS members to determine. We’re aware there’s a growing number of local governments that have stopped payment when they shouldn’t have, leading to a large back pay bill and potential $10,000 fine from WorkCover WA.
Stopping income compensation payments can be a tricky matter for LGIS members to determine. We’re aware there’s a growing number of local governments that have stopped payment when they shouldn’t have, leading to a large back pay bill and potential $10,000 fine from WorkCover WA.
In response, our expert injury prevention consultants recently put together a helpful video to guide operators through the best strategies to reduce the risk of future injury when operating machinery. Through the correct ergonomic setup of seats, controls and levers, mirrors and cameras, as well as the adoption of other general good practice procedures, workers can mitigate some of the risks. Access this valuable resource on the LGIS website.
There are many potential hazards associated with a poor understanding of machinery ergonomics and a relaxed attitude towards general health and wellbeing. Good ergonomic setup, combined with healthy habits like stretching and maintaining a balanced diet will help you to work more safely and more comfortably.
It is important to be mindful of preventative solutions that can be installed, adapted, and retro-fitted to equipment and machinery. At the forefront of this guide, individual preference and an understanding of the variation in adjustability from machine to machine should be applied while finding a system of practice that works for you.
This is general advice only, we encourage you to always check the manufacturers operator’s manual for specific machinery use guidelines. This should be available for all plant equipment.
Over the past five years, there have been 218 claims related to body-stressing injuries within the sector. Notably, machine operators rank as the second highest risk occupation for such injuries, surpassed only by workers in parks and gardens.
The elevated risk for machine operators stems from several hazardous characteristics inherent to the role.
These include maintaining sustained postures that strain the back and legs, performing highly repetitive movements involving the wrists, hands, and fingers, and adopting awkward postures when operating machinery or accessing and egressing equipment. Additionally, exposure to whole-body vibration further contributes to the physical stress experienced by workers in this role.
From a broader perspective on workplace safety, LGIS has observed a concerning increase in injury claims related to slips, trips, missteps, and falls. These incidents now account for approximately 20% of all worker compensation claims and represent 40% of claims associated with hazardous manual tasks.
Understanding these risks is crucial for implementing effective safety measures and reducing the incidence of injuries across the sector.
Other notable risks in machinery operation and workplace health:
In direct connection to these specific risks, LGIS injury prevention consultants identified machine operation as the most vulnerable job role. The frequent requirement to access and egress elevates the chance of slips, trips, missteps and falls (STMF), with 70% of STMF resulting in a MSD injury. When we consider the extended periods of time machine operators also spend in the sedentary position, we can begin to understand the importance of putting an effective prevention and risk management plan in place. Below are some common issues encountered by our injury prevention team, with a particular focus on access and egress.
Case study: how a safety procedure saved
$400,000 in workers’ compensationFollowing a major claim involving a local government’s workers’ compensation, LGIS’ regional risk specialist Chris Gilmour initiated a comprehensive review of injury-related expenses in his region. The incident involved injuries sustained by workers when entering and exiting plant equipment, leading to significant costs—approximately $420,000 to $460,000. The CEO was determined to prevent such costly incidents from recurring and tasked the safety team with finding an effective solution.
The recommendations for operators below are strictly general, please consult your operating manual for specific advice for each machine.
Safe Work Australia recommends that sitting for more than seven hours in a day is excessive and can lead to health complications if not managed properly. Meanwhile, government regulations under the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 permit employees to work 38 hours per week plus reasonable additional hours. So, how can we use machinery ergonomics and good workplace practices to reduce risks for machine operators?
Imagine a sweeper operator responsible for cleaning roads, pathways, and curbs. About 90% of their work involves operating the machine from inside the cab, with the remaining 10% revolving around manual tasks like operating a leaf blower or high-pressure hose. Data shows that the most at risk body parts for this individual are the lower back, neck, and wrists (risks that stem from activities like climbing stairs or ladders, squatting, crouching, kneeling, and sitting for long periods). Let’s now discuss what this operator can do to minimise these risks?
Visit lgiswa.com.au and navigate to our injury prevention webpage home > Risk Management > Health and wellbeing program. Here you can find our machinery ergonomic self- assessment checklist, stretching posters as well as Injury prevention workshops and ergonomic assessments.
By following these tips and making use of available resources, operators can work more safely, comfortably, and efficiently – protecting their health and wellbeing on the job.
For members seeking further information on the best practices regarding machinery ergonomics you should contact LGIS injury prevention team or your regional risk specialist.
This year marks the significant milestone of the 30th anniversary of LGIS. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken together over the past three decades. Since our founding in 1995, LGIS has evolved from a practical response to emerging risks into a pioneering mutual scheme that proudly serves the diverse needs of Western Australia’s local governments.
1 July 2025 marked an historic moment for LGIS, on the same day 30 years ago that the Scheme launched. A lot has changed over that time, but the core purpose remains – local governments working together through a mutual to protect their people, organisations and communities.
Research from the BMC Public Health Journal conducted in 2024 indicated that 61.75% of truck drivers develop some form of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) during their career. This alarming statistic will almost certainly be applicable to the wide range of roles undertaken by the local government sector throughout WA.
