How to complete a MAC assessment

Remember: The purpose of the assessment is to identify and then reduce the overall level of risk of the task.

• Spend some time observing the task to ensure that what you are seeing is representative of normal working procedures. Consult employees and safety representatives during the assessment process. Where several people do the same task, make sure you have some insight into the demands of the job from all workers' perspective. It may help to videotape the task so you can view it over again, away from the workplace, if necessary.
• Select the appropriate type of assessment (ie lifting, carrying or team handling). If a task involves lifting and carrying, consider both.
• Ensure you read the assessment guide before you make your assessment.
• Follow the appropriate assessment guide and flow chart to determine the level of risk for each risk factor.
• Enter the colour band and corresponding numerical score on the score sheet. The colour bands help determine which elements of the task require attention.
• Add up the total score. The total scores help prioritise those tasks that need most urgent attention and help check the effectiveness of those improvements.
• Enter the remaining task information asked for on the score sheet.