Seen This in the CrewCard App’s Noticeboard?
Our βDonβt Try to Be a Hero When Liftingβ noticeboard message is displayed in the CrewCard App to remind all crew: never risk injury trying to lift alone or to try and impress others.
Dear Showies,
We appreciate Crew Members who go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure the job goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible on behalf of our Clients. However, when lifting heavy objects, we really need everyone to work as a team and not try and stand out in a way that might endanger themselves or other crew.
The fact is, there are many ways to shine on a gig that will earn you the admiration of everyone onsite. When it comes to the less physical tasks, such as running cables, patching in equipment, gaffing down leads, putting leads cases back together, setting up lights, audio, AV and LED, erecting drapelines etc etc, you should go as hard as you like without exerting yourself.
When it comes to lifting heavy equipment such as leads packers and other heavy items and roadcases, some of the most important things to remember are the following:
- Never attempt to lift heavy items on your own.
- Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
- Always get help to lift heavy equipment.
- Always use mechanical aids where available such as forklifts, trolleys and pallet jacks.
- Follow the directions of senior crew.
- Donβt rush, count to three and lift together as a team.
We want you to come home from every gig healthy and ready for the next gig. Feel free to show us how good you are in every element of the job that is low risk, but please βDonβt Try to Be a Hero When Liftingβ. We appreciate the effort you put into working hard and showing your commitment, we really do, but it is not worth taking the risk when lifting heavy objects and it is, in fact, strictly against our work, health and safety protocols.
At Show Support, manual handling is an essential part of what we do. From lifting road cases to moving staging equipment, our work requires physical strength, focus, and coordination. When performed safely, manual handling not only gets the job done β it also provides healthy exercise and helps maintain physical fitness.
However, when done incorrectly, manual handling can cause serious injuries that may impact your ability to work. Thatβs why we have strict safety protocols, detailed Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), and a culture of looking out for each other.
This guide will walk you through our approach to safe manual handling, key procedures, and how you can protect yourself and your team on every shift.
Why Safe Manual Handling Matters
Manual handling injuries can happen quickly and often affect the back, shoulders, and limbs. Common risks include:
- Sprains and strains
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Bruises and lacerations
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Fractures or crush injuries
By following our safety protocols and using the correct techniques, you can greatly reduce these risks.
Golden Rules for Manual Handling at Show Support
- Never lift an item thatβs too heavy.
- Never do any task youβre uncomfortable with.
- Get help whenever possible β use your crew, mechanical aids, or both.
- Use equipment such as forklifts, trolleys, or pallet jacks to move heavy loads.
- Listen to your body β if you feel pain, report it immediately and switch to light duties.
- Donβt try to be a hero β unsafe lifting to impress others puts everyone at risk.
- Follow your supervisorβs instructions without hesitation.
SWMS for Manual Handling
Our Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) outlines the hazards, risk ratings, and control measures for different manual handling tasks:
Lift & Carry
- Hazards: Musculoskeletal strain, stress on back and limbs
- Controls:
- Keep loads close to the body
- Rotate tasks to avoid fatigue
- Use mechanical aids
- Supervise new workers
- Avoid repetitive bending, twisting, or overreaching
Lower & Stack
- Hazards: Pinch points, slips, trips, falls, crush injuries
- Controls:
- Keep fingers clear
- Store loads between knee and shoulder height
- Provide adequate space for movement
- Ask for help when needed
Key Techniques Every Crew Member Should Know
- Bend your knees and keep your back straight
- Never attempt to lift extremely heavy loads alone
- Break down heavy items (e.g., unpack cables) into lighter sections
- Always count to three before lifting with others
- Test the weight of a load before committing to the lift
- Make sure cases are secure and latches are locked
- Remove loose items from the top of cases before lifting
- Ensure wheel locks are released before moving cases
Toolbox Talks & Pre-Start Acceptance
Safety starts before the first lift. Our Toolbox Talks and Pre-Start Acceptance provide a quick safety refresher before every shift.
- Toolbox Talks: Crew Chiefs must confirm everyone understands the manual handling procedures, asking questions to check comprehension.
- Pre-Start Acceptance: Found in your CrewCard App, this includes essential safety reminders before you check in for your shift.
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Manual Handling Quiz
To ensure all crew understand our safety procedures, we require every crew member to complete our Manual Handling Quiz. This short test reinforces safe lifting techniques and reminds you of the SWMS requirements.
βDonβt Try To Be a Hero When Liftingβ
We value every crew memberβs effort and dedication β thereβs no need to prove yourself by taking unnecessary risks. If you injure your back or feel discomfort, report it immediately and move to light duties for the rest of your shift. Safety is more important than speed or strength.
Our Safety Culture
At Show Support, safety is our number one priority. This means:
- Incident Reports: Every crew member must know how to log incidents or near misses in the CrewCard App β no matter how small.
- Stop Work Policy: You have the right to stop any work you believe is unsafe. Contact the office on 1300 973 016 if needed.
Your Voice Matters
We encourage feedback to improve our safety systems. Use the Feedback Form on our website to share your suggestions or concerns:
https://www.showsupport.com.au/
In summary:Β
Safe manual handling is about teamwork, preparation, and following procedures β not brute strength. By looking out for each other and following our SWMS, we can ensure that every shift ends as safely as it begins.