manual handling   includes a wide range of work activities, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, throwing and carrying, as well as repetitive tasks, such as packing, typing, cleaning and sorting.

manufacturer  a person who manufactures a product for sale or exchange for use at a workplace.

material safety data sheet (MSDS)  a summary of relevant properties of a hazardous chemical or proprietary product and which includes safety, health, storage, handling and emergency information. For more information, see Chapter 6 of the OHS Regulation 2001 and the Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets.

musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)  physical injuries caused by performing unsafe manual handling tasks. Includes injuries such as muscle sprains and strains; injuries to muscles, ligaments and discs in the back; injuries to nerves, ligaments and tendons in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or legs; and abdominal hernias and long-term pain.

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)   also called Worksafe Australia.  It is a federal authority whose charter is to develop and help implement a national OHS strategy. It is a tripartite body with representation from employers, workers and governments.

near miss  an accident that does not produce an injury or disease.

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occupational disease   a disease resulting from a health hazard at work.

occupational ergonomics  design of the workplace and its processes to best match the anatomical, physiological and psychological capabilities of people.

occupational health and safety (OHS)  prevention of disease and injury caused by workplace influences.

occupational hygiene  evaluation and control of exposure from chemical physical, biological and mechanical agents to minimise the risk of disease and injury occurring as a result of the work environment.

occupational injury  an injury resulting from a safety hazard at work.

occupational medicine  prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries associated with work.

occupational nursing  prevention and healing activities associated with disease and injury in the workplace.

occupational rehabilitation  restoration of the functional effectiveness and health of an injured worker.

occupational safety  accident prevention through work systems that are aimed at minimising the risk of injury.

OHS audit  systematic search for hazards in the workplace, problems in work procedures, and deficiencies in the OHS management system.

OHS management  the design, implementation and maintenance of work activities to minimise, as far as is reasonably practicable, the occurrence of injury and disease.

OSHA  Occupational Safety and Health Administration. United States government authority for the administration of occupational health and safety.

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pain and suffering   payment is only payable to an injured worker where there has been a permanent impairment. Payment is made under section 67 of the Workers Compensation Act 1987. For more information, see injured worker benefits.

penalty unit  defined in the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999. It is currently valued at $110 per unit.

personal protective equipment (PPE)  equipment worn by workers to reduce risk from OHS hazards.

physiology  the study of the functioning of living organisms.

plant  any machinery, equipment, appliance, implement or tool, including their components, fittings or accessories.

provisional liability  allows an insurer to make weekly or medical expenses payments without admitting liability. This enables the insurer to make early payments to the injured worker without delay.