Australia Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks 4.7b: 4.7 Use team handling only as a temporary or rare measure and plan it

Team handling by two or more workers brings its own risks and needs coordination. It should be used only until a more effective control exists or for rare tasks, and a regular need for team handling should lead to redesign for mechanical equipment or elimination of the lift. It raises risk when the load is not shared equally, workers do not exert force together, hand or foot adjustments reduce each person's force, steps or slopes put most weight on the lower handlers, or someone unexpectedly loses grip. When used, match workers, coordinate and plan the lift: team size in proportion to the load and difficulty, one person in charge, enough space, team members matched by height and capability, responsibilities known, team lifting training and rehearsal including what to do if something goes wrong, and aids such as stretchers, slings, straps, lifting bars, tongs, trolleys and hoists.