Hazardous manual tasks remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries across Australia.  

Strains, sprains, back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders can occur in almost any industry, including hospitality, construction, engineering, electrical work, transport and office environments. 

One simple and effective way to assess manual handling risks before starting a task is by using the TILE approach. 

TILE stands for: 

• T – Task  
• I – Individual  
• L – Load  
• E – Environment  

The TILE approach helps workers and supervisors quickly identify potential risks associated with a manual task and determine whether controls are required to complete the task safely. 

The approach aligns with the principles outlined in the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks. 

What is the TILE Approach? 

The TILE approach is a practical risk assessment tool used to evaluate manual handling activities before and during work tasks. 

Rather than simply focusing on how heavy an item is, TILE encourages workers to consider the entire activity, including: 

• What is being done  
• Who is doing it  
• What is being handled  
• Where the task is taking place  

This broader assessment helps identify risks that may otherwise be overlooked. 

T – Task 

The first step is to assess the task itself. 

Workers should consider: 

• Is the task repetitive?  
• Does it involve twisting, bending or reaching?  
• Is the task performed for long periods?  
• Does the task involve pushing, pulling or carrying?  
• Is an awkward posture required?  
• Does the task involve sudden movements?  
• Does the worker need to lift above shoulder height or below knee height?  

Example 

A hospitality worker who repeatedly carries heavy trays of glasses during a busy shift may experience fatigue and strain from repetitive movements and awkward carrying positions. 

An electrician installing cables above ceiling height may be required to work with arms elevated for extended periods, increasing shoulder and neck strain. 

I – Individual 

This step considers the person performing the task. 

Factors may include: 

• Physical capability  
• Experience and training  
• Age and fitness  
• Existing injuries or medical conditions  
• Fatigue levels  
• Understanding of safe work procedures  

Example 

A new worker who has not received proper manual handling training may attempt to lift a heavy object incorrectly. 

A fatigued worker at the end of a 12-hour shift may be more likely to suffer an injury while lifting materials. 

L – Load 

The load refers to the object, equipment or person being moved or handled. 

Workers should consider: 

• Is the load heavy?  
• Is it difficult to grip?  
• Is it unstable?  
• Does it have sharp edges?  
• Can the contents move unexpectedly?  
• Is the load awkward in shape or size?  
• Does the load block visibility?  

Example 

An administration worker lifting multiple archive boxes may struggle due to poor handholds and awkward dimensions. 

A maintenance worker moving a long steel beam may have difficulty balancing the load safely. 

E – Environment 

The environment can significantly affect the safety of a manual handling task. 

Factors include: 

• Slippery or uneven floors  
• Poor lighting  
• Restricted spaces  
• Weather conditions  
• Noise distractions  
• Poor housekeeping  
• Temperature extremes  
• Limited access or exits  

Example 

A kitchen worker carrying stock through a wet floor area has an increased risk of slips and falls. 

A warehouse worker operating in a cramped storage area may be forced into awkward postures while lifting. 

Benefits of the TILE Approach 

Helps Prevent Injuries 

The biggest benefit of the TILE approach is injury prevention. 

By assessing manual tasks before starting work, organisations can identify hazards early and implement controls before injuries occur. 

This helps reduce: 

• Back injuries  
• Shoulder strains  
• Muscle fatigue  
• Sprains and soft tissue injuries  
• Long-term musculoskeletal disorders  

Encourages Workers to Think Before Acting 

TILE promotes a proactive safety culture. 

Workers become more aware of: 

• Their surroundings  
• Unsafe work practices  
• Physical limitations  
• Better ways to complete tasks  

This encourages workers to stop and assess the task instead of rushing into unsafe manual handling activities. 

Supports Compliance with WHS Requirements 

In Australia, employers have a duty under Work Health and Safety legislation to eliminate or minimise risks associated with hazardous manual tasks so far as is reasonably practicable. 

Using the TILE approach helps demonstrate that an organisation is: 

• Identifying hazards  
• Assessing risks  
• Implementing controls  
• Providing worker guidance and training  

This supports compliance with the: 

• Work Health and Safety Act  
• Work Health and Safety Regulations  
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice  

Improves Communication and Consultation 

TILE provides workers and supervisors with a simple common language for discussing manual handling risks. 

Instead of simply saying: 

“Be careful lifting that.” 

Workers can discuss: 

• The task difficulty  
• The weight and shape of the load  
• Environmental hazards  
• Whether assistance or equipment is required  

This improves workplace consultation and teamwork. 

Encourages Better Control Measures 

Once risks are identified using TILE, organisations can implement better control measures such as: 

• Mechanical lifting aids  
• Trolleys or pallet jacks  
• Team lifting  
• Job rotation  
• Improved workplace layout  
• Reduced load sizes  
• Better storage systems  
• Additional training  

The focus moves from relying solely on “proper lifting technique” to creating safer systems of work. 

Easy to Learn and Apply 

One of the major strengths of TILE is its simplicity. 

Workers can quickly remember the four components and apply them during everyday activities. 

This makes TILE particularly effective for: 

• Toolbox talks  
• Inductions  
• Short safety training sessions  
• Pre-start meetings  
• Young or inexperienced workers  

Practical Example of TILE in Action 

Scenario: 

A worker in a hotel storeroom is required to move cartons of beverages from storage shelves to a trolley. 

TILE Assessment: 

Task 

• Repetitive lifting during busy periods  
• Twisting while placing cartons on the trolley  

Individual 

• Worker is new and inexperienced  
• Worker reports fatigue late in the shift  

Load 

• Cartons weigh 18kg  
• Awkward to grip  
• Stacked above shoulder height  

Environment 

• Limited space between shelves  
• Floor occasionally wet from refrigeration units  

Control Measures Implemented 

• Lower shelf storage introduced  
• Smaller load quantities used  
• Anti-slip floor mats installed  
• Manual handling training provided  
• Two-person lift for heavy stock deliveries  

Result: 
Reduced strain injuries and safer work practices. 

Conclusion 

The TILE approach is a simple but highly effective tool for identifying and managing hazardous manual handling risks in the workplace. 

By assessing: 

• The Task  
• The Individual  
• The Load  
• The Environment  

Workers and businesses can make safer decisions before injuries occur. 

For small to medium businesses, TILE provides an easy-to-understand method that supports compliance, improves safety awareness and helps protect workers from preventable musculoskeletal injuries. 

When combined with proper training, consultation and practical control measures, the TILE approach can play an important role in building a safer and healthier workplace culture across all industries in Australia. 

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