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Weightlifting

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Guideline review date: October 2018

The CARA planner (DOCX, 423KB) must be used in conjunction with this guideline to determine additional risk hazards and controls within school-specific circumstances.

Activity scope

This guideline relates to student participation in weightlifting as a curriculum activity, including skills development, training and competitions. Weightlifting is a sport in which participants perform lifts such as the snatch and the clean and jerk. The skills of weightlifting should be learnt carefully, as poor technique, reckless advancement and irresponsible behaviour can cause injury or accidents.

Weightlifting may involve other activities that have various risk levels. Refer to the relevant activity guidelines (e.g. Weight training) for mandatory requirements associated with this activity.

For activities beyond the scope of this activity a separate risk assessment must be undertaken using the CARA generic template (DOCX, 401KB).

High risk: Teaching of weightlifting skills, training and competitions.

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All requirements are necessary for the activity to be conducted.

Supervision requirements
  • Provide sufficient adult supervision to manage the activity safely (including emergency situations). Consider age, size, ability and maturity of students in this decision. Principals make decisions about the supervision requirements.
  • Ensure adult supervisors are visible and easily identified and all students are in sight of at least 1 adult supervisor at all times.

Hazards and controls

If any listed control measure below cannot be met:

  • modify the activity (or elements of it)

    and/or

  • identify and implement alternative control measures to meet or exceed the level of safety.

Alternative or additional considerations, hazards and control measures must be included in the planning process.

Before the activity

Hazards Control measures

Accessing facilities and using equipment

Check that the free weights have tight collars, bars should be evenly located between stands, and stands and benches should be properly positioned

Ensure the barbell can revolve within its own sleeves for easier lifting

Managing student considerations

Do not allow students to train alone

Develop a written individual schedule for each student

Provide beginners with individual assistance

Ensure students are aware that foot injuries can occur if weights are dropped, and hand injuries can occur when loading weights or returning bars to racks

During the activity

Hazards Control measures

Accessing facilities and using equipment

Ensure all equipment is being used as intended

Managing student considerations

Use correct spotting techniques (e.g. any student lifting free weight barbells above the head must have 1 spotter present at each end of the bar)

Use safe exercises which include all major muscle groups of the body

Deciding on weights to be lifted is at the discretion of the adult supervisor and should be in accordance with the strength, skills and capacity of the student

Consult the most experienced adult supervisor before allowing a student to attempt more complex, technical skills or heavier weights as an assistant may be necessary

Ensure students have a drink break every 30 minutes

Remove accessories (e.g. jewellery) before participating

Ensure fingernails, hair and clothing do not interfere with the activity

Ensure that students are fully aware that injuries can occur if weights are dropped, when loading weights or returning bars to racks

Monitor students for signs of fatigue and illness

After the activity

Hazards Control measures

Accessing facilities and using equipment

Clean and store all equipment safely and securely when not in use

Managing student considerations

Conduct warm-down activities

 Disclaimer

This information is developed and distributed on this website by the State of Queensland for use by Queensland state schools only.

Use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this information by persons or organisations other than the State of Queensland is at their sole risk. All users who use, adapt or rely on this information are responsible for ensuring by independent verification its accuracy, currency and appropriateness to their particular circumstances. The State of Queensland makes no representations, either express or implied, as to the suitability of this information to a user's particular circumstances.

To the full extent permitted by law, the State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs arising from the use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this information.

Links to external websites are for convenience only and the State of Queensland has not independently verified the information on the linked websites. It is the responsibility of users to make their own decisions about the accuracy, currency, reliability and correctness of the information at these external websites.

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Last updated 12 March 2021