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Reducing manual handling risks at Tea Tree Gully Library

Manual handling and repetitive task injuries are the largest source of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) risks in a typical library. The City of Tea Tree Gully’s Library is the largest single site library in Local Government in South Australia.

On a daily basis it handles over 8,000 items and more than 1,000 patrons pass through its doors resulting in a great deal of manual handling and repetitive tasks.

Council has successfully implemented a library service which delivers ten additional opening hours (70–100 staff hours per week) without increasing staff numbers. While some of this has been achieved through industrial flexibility, significant gains have resulted from the introduction of new technology and equipment, workplace design and changed work practices.

Eliminating or reducing OH&S risks was the basis of these innovations.

The old library building had books, DVDs and services spread across two floors, significantly increasing walking and distances that items needed to be moved. It also had a negative impact on customer service and efficient use of employees.

A single level site now brings service points together and minimises the need for staff to walk or carry books over unnecessary distances and between floors. Where long distances are involved mobile shelving trolleys are used to transport books and other articles. The trolleys incorporate a handle that allows for varying heights of employees, larger wheels to make pulling the trolley easier and bracing across the bottom to aid stability. Adjustable shelf height also improves the centre of gravity and allows staff to see over the shelving.

One super sized service desk also provides greater customer service and efficiency. Staff undertake a greater variety of tasks and the amount of time spent in repetitive actions has been reduced providing more interesting and enjoyable work. A self check unit allowing customers to check out their own books also reduces repetitive tasks and frees up staff for higher value duties.

New bins for return shoots have been purchased to prevent staff from having to kneel down to pick up overflow from the overnight returns. The new bins have three times the volume of the old bins. They also have larger casters so movement of the bin is easier.

A new DVD holder system has overcome issues with hands and wrists previously experienced by staff. The new holder has a quick release button that requires minimal pressure placing little stress on hands and wrists.

For further information contact Vicky Radford, Library Manager, on (08) 8397 7444.

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