B9 Flashcards
Jan 20 Jul 12 Jul 08 Jan 06
A parcel sorting depot is experiencing a high number of manual handling related injuries. The employees handle a large number of different parcels and packages each day.
(a) Identify the different types of hazard that may be inherent in the loads being handled. (6)
(b) In order to reduce the level of manual handling required, the employer has decided to invest
in a range of non-powered handling devices, (trolleys, trucks etc). Outline the factors to be considered when selecting such devices and introducing their use. (10)
(c) Outline a range of additional control measures that could be introduced to minimise the
risks associated with manual handling. (4)
(a) Hazards inherent in loads:
heavy weights; bulky; awkward; unstable / unbalanced; shifting centre of gravity; no handles / grips; sharp edges / protruding objects; leaks – chemical / biological
(b) When selecting mechanical devices:
• consult users - involve in selection process and conduct user trials / pilot scheme
• visit premises where such equipment is being used / obtain recommendations
• ensure suitable for workplace - floor surfaces; indoor / outdoor; space; manoevrability; steps / slopes
• consider SWLs - adequate capacity for loads and size / shapes of parcels
• ensure safe to use - do not introduce unacceptable additional hazards eg tripping
• consider maintenance and storage requirements
• consider training needs of operatives
When introducing use:
• provide information and training
• ensure sufficient available
• ensure suitable inspection arrangements and maintenance procedures
• allow a phased introduction to identify teething problems
• gather user feedback
(c) Other control measures could include:
• automate - conveyors etc
• modification of work environment - ergonomic issues - design / layout / space
• job rotation / rest periods
• identification of “problem” parcels - stickers giving weight information etc
• restrict parcel size / weight
training in lifting techniques / team lifting
Jul 19 Jul 16 Jul 11 Jan 08 Jul 05
Employees are required to pick up small pasta pieces from a delivery conveyor and transfer them to foil trays on a separate conveyor during the production of pre-prepared pasta dishes. This work is carried out standing in front of the conveyors for an 8-hour shift. An ergonomic risk assessment is to be carried out.
(a) Outline the ergonomic risk factors to be considered in this assessment. (5)
(b) A number of employees have complained about pains in their arms, shoulders and back.
Other than automation outline control measures that could help reduce the ergonomic risks these employees are exposed to. (5)
(a)Ergonomic risk factors to considered in the assessment include: Task factors
• the repetitive nature of the task - demands on same muscle groups
• adoption of static postures for prolonged periods
• the duration of the work / number of breaks / rest periods
• the work rate / frequency of movements / speed of conveyor
• postures involved - reaching / stretching / bending / long periods standing
• the fine motor skills involved / level of precision and dexterity involved Individual factors
• operatives’ size / height / arm length / reach distances - anthropometrics• operatives’ fitness / health Environmental factors
• temperature - cold for food prep affects muscle efficiency / grip etc
• lighting - visibility / colour discrimination?
(b) Control measures include:
• introduce conveyors that are adjustable for height - to suit individual requirements
• re-position conveyors to reduce stretching / bending etc and allow work from both sides
• provide seating / allow changes of position
• reduce speed of conveyor/work rate; allow breaks; job rotation
• training and information on hazards, health risks, symptoms, control measures etc
• pre-employment screening and ongoing health surveillance
Jan 19
Employees in a busy restaurant frequently use hand-held trays to carry plates of food and drinks from the kitchen to the customers’ tables. These hand-held trays can be heavy and unstable.
There are regular incidents where employees drop the trays.
To help reduce these incidents, the employer has decided to introduce non-powered trollies, on wheels, that will be used by the restaurant employees to transport their customers’ food and drink orders.
(a) Outline what the employer should consider when selecting suitable non-powered trollies for this task. (14)
(b) Comment on how this change could affect the manual handling risks to the employees. (3)
(c) Comment on how this change could affect other risks to the employees and to customers’ safety and health. (3)
(a) Employer should consider:
• Cost of trollies
• The size of the trollies in relation to the space to operate;
• Whether trollies are adjustable in height etc
• The design of the wheels;
• The floor conditions in the restaurant;
• Whether brakes should be fitted and what maintenance or inspection is required for the trollies.
• The need to carry out trials for suitability
• Whether to ask for testimonials or feedback from other restaurants
• Hygiene and ease of cleaning trollies
• Whether the trollies look attractive - aesthetics
(b) Whilst the trollies may reduce carrying, there would be more pushing and pulling of the trollies. Depending on the height of trollies and in particular the handles on the trollies, some employees may also now need to bend over/stoop.
(c) There may also be an increased risk of trip hazard or foot injuries as trollies are wheeled around. The storage and use of the trollies may also present an issue regarding blocking of fire escape routes inn the event of evacuation
Jul 18
Window cleaners frequently use extending ladders. They unload the ladders from the roof of their van, carry them to position and extend them to reach higher windows. When they have cleaned the windows, they load the ladders back on to the roof of the van before moving to the next location.
(a) Outline manual handling risk factors when using these ladders. (7)
You are not required to include any risks relating to working at height in your answer.
(b) The employer wants employees to store the ladders inside the van and not on the roof.
Comment on how this change could affect the manual handling risks. (2)
(c) Outline ONE change in working practice that could eliminate the manual handling risks from using extending ladders for the window cleaners. (1)
Answer TBC
Jan 18
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) manual handling assessment charts (MAC) is a tool that can be used to determine manual handling risks of various types of activity, including lifting operations. The MAC tool assigns numerical scores to a range of risk factors.
(a) (i) Identify FIVE risk factors in the MAC tool that should be considered for a lifting operation carried out by an individual. (5)
(i) For EACH of the risk factors identified in
(a)
(ii), describe how the numerical scores vary as the lifting operation changes. (5)
Reference to the exact numerical scores is not required.
(b) Explain why using the MAC tool alone may not result in a fully ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessment. (5) An internet-based delivery organisation operates a large warehouse where employees pick loads weighing between 2kg and 20kg. The employees carry these loads to an area where the items are stacked on to pallets. The organisation decides to use the HSE’s variable manual handling assessment chart (V-MAC) to assess the manual handling risks to its employees, who work 8-hour shifts.
(c) Outline why the V-MAC tool is suitable in this scenario. (4)
(d) Comment on the use of the V-MAC tool in this situation. (1)
Answer TBC
Jul 17
Outline what should be considered when selecting workplace seating to minimise ergonomic risks to workers. (10)
Issues to consider include:
• Is the chair comfortable for the intended period of use?
• Is the lower back adequately supported?
• Is the upholstery sufficiently supportive and comfortable?
• Is the seating stable?
• Are edges sufficiently padded and shaped to prevent uncomfortable pressure on the thighs?
• Does the chair have adequate types and ranges of adjustment?
• Is the height adjustable to allow work to be carried out at or below elbow height?
• Does the backrest adjust sufficiently in height and depth to allow the user to gain support?
• Are armrests suitable for the task and workstation?
• Do the armrests allow the user to bring the chair far enough forward?
• Do the armrests allow adequate arm movement?
• Are footrests required and, if so, are they suitable?
• Are there special requirements for a chair at this particular workstation?
• Are there special user requirements?
• Are there special task requirements?
• Cost of seating should always be considered
• Durability of seating and materials
• Being able to access adjusting mechanisms on the seat, while seated
• Is there any need for training on how to use/adjust the seating?
• Involvement of staff in selection procedure
• Carrying out user trials using people of different sizes and weights
• Are there any maintenance requirements associated with the seating?
• What are the weight restrictions on the seating?
Jan 17
Farmers, veterinary workers and sheep shearers often need to manually handle live animals such as sheep, pigs or goats as part of their work. In these situations, the load is the live animal.
(a) Describe factors associated with the load that increase the risk of these manual handling activities. (4)
(b) Outline a range of other risk factors that should be considered when carrying out manual handling risk assessments in these situations. (6)
(c) Outline practical control measures that could be used in these situations to help reduce the risk of a manual handling injury. (10)
Answer TBC
Jul 14 Jul 10
Manual handling risk assessments should consider a range of risk factors including those concerning the task, the load, the environment and the individual.
(a) Explain how risk factors, within these headings relate to nursing staff who carry out manual handling activities when assisting hospital patients with limited mobility. Give a relevant example for this situation for each risk factor. (14)
(b) Outline specific activities that the occupational health department at the hospital could carry out in order to minimise the risk to nursing staff who carry out manual handling (6)
(a) Task: nurses would be involved in assisting patients in bathing, washing and dressing and these activities would frequently involve stooping, bending, stretching, pulling and lifting, often resulting in the staff adopting extreme postural stance; such activities are carried out frequently and often for prolonged periods dependent on the shift length. Other ”task” factors include the number of patients requiring care and that the work often involves the use of equipment such as lifting aids and hoists.
Load: may be difficult to assess or estimate, since no two patients are the same and some may not be able to do much for themselves; patient’s movements may be unpredictable - some may have lapsed into unconsciousness, others may struggle, become unwilling to be assisted and may even become violent. Additional loads involve any medical apparatus such as drips or splints could be attached to the patient making it difficult to secure a hold / making the lifting activity more awkward. There are also “patient dignity” considerations - lifting / moving a person requires a different approach to lifting a crate!
Environment: space constraints and obstructions particularly around beds and in bathrooms and toilet areas; floors could become slippery because of spillages and the standard of lighting, particularly at night, might be limited.
Individual: nurses (like everyone else) have a range of physical capacities; factors that require consideration include strength, stamina, size, fitness, capability / disability, experience etc. Age, gender, pregnancy may also be relevant. They would need to be physically capable of carrying out the tasks and be given special training in patient moving and handling; those who are pregnant or who might themselves suffer from lumbar or muscular problems would be more at risk.
(b) The occupational health department could play a part in minimising the risk to nursing staff by: assisting in the assessment of manual handling tasks; carrying out pre-employment and return-to-work examinations toassess the physical capabilities of those expected to be involved in manual handling activities; treating any staff who suffer injury; providing a rehabilitation programme to prepare them for a return to work; investigating accidents involving manual handling; monitoring and recording the absences resulting from this type of incident; carrying out manual handling training and advising on safe lifting techniques and the use of mechanical aids.
Jan 14 Jul 07
A telecommunications company operates a computerised call centre to handle all enquiries regarding its service. The call centre operates between the hours of 8am and 8pm seven days a week.
Outline the measures that the organisation should put in place in order to reduce the risks of ill-health associated with the use of display screen equipment at the call centre. (10)
See L26
Measures that the company should put in place to minimise the health risks associated with the use of DSE include:
In the first instance, conducting a risk assessment of the work activity as required by the DSE regs 1992 and other relevant statutory provisions (HSWA S2; Workplace (HS&W) Regulations; Control of Noise at Work Regulations) - taking account of ergonomic factors such as duration of work, level of repetition involved (especially in relation to keyboard use), the nature of the calls - routine / non-contentious or requiring high levels of concentration / problem solving or challenge / contentious (w-r stress)
On the basis of the risk assessment, specific measures that could be adopted include:
• taking steps to ensure suitable layout of workstation, adequate workspace, correct positioning of keyboard, adjustability of screen angle etc
• addressing lighting needs / reducing glare, reflections (windows etc), ensuring stability of screen image
• providing suitable seating - adjustability / support / comfort / stability / space etc
• ensuring suitable working environment - temperature, humidity, noise, space
• taking account of individual factors - pre-existing health conditions, DVT, pregnancy.
• providing hands-free headsets
• setting up a programme of job rotation / work breaks away from workstation
• changes of activity - not similar (hand movements / visual concentration)
• providing supervision to ensure DSE requirements met , appropriate posture, breaks being taken etc
• setting realistic work rates and call-handling targets
• providing user-friendly software – appropriate to task and user, provides feedback on sytem status, no
undisclosed monitoring
• providing training / information to raise awareness of DSE requirements, health risks / typical
symptoms, eye strain, postural issues, (hand) exercise requirements and benefits
Note: not simply a detailed assessment of the elements of a DSE workstation
Jul 13 Jan 10
Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) can develop if ergonomic principles are not followed when designing work tools and equipment.
(a) Outline what is meant by “ergonomic principles”. (2)
(b) Outline how the design of work tools and work equipment can help to minimise the risk of a person developing a WRULD. (8)
(a) In this context “ergonomic principles” means ensuring that the physical size, strength and attributes of the likely user(s) are taken into account when designing work tools and equipment so that there is a good “fit” between the user and their work tools / equipment. For example…
(b) Design can minimise the risk of WRULDs by making allowance for differing strengths, differing size of hand (for example), differing spans etc; by incorporating adjustability; by designing left-handed / right-handed versions of the tool; by providing secure grips / handles; by ensuring lightweight tools; by making sure the tools are nicely balanced; by minimising the need for awkward postures when using the tool; by reducing the need for repetitive actions; by designing to a recognised / approved standard
Jan 13
An employee on a production line has to stand in front of his workbench which is 750mm deep and set at waist height. He must frequently lift a 20kg item from the workbench onto an unpowered roller conveyor which is behind the bench and set slightly higher than it.
(a) Explain why the work method described is not acceptable. (4)
(b) Outline practical measures that might be considered to reduce the ergonomic-related risk to the worker. (6)
Answer TBC
Jul 12 Jul 08 Jan 06
A parcel sorting depot is experiencing a high number of manual handling related injuries. The employees handle a large number of different parcels and packages each day.
(a) Identify the different types of hazard that may be inherent in the loads being handled. (6)
(b) In order to reduce the level of manual handling required, the employer has decided to invest
in a range of non-powered handling devices, (trolleys, trucks etc). Outline the factors to be considered when selecting such devices and introducing their use. (10)
(c) Outlinearangeofadditionalcontrolmeasuresthatcouldbeintroducedtominimisethe
risks associated with manual handling. (4)
(a) Hazards inherent in loads:
heavy weights; bulky; awkward; unstable / unbalanced; shifting centre of gravity; no handles / grips; sharp edges / protruding objects; leaks – chemical / biological
(b) When selecting mechanical devices:
• consult users - involve in selection process and conduct user trials / pilot scheme
• visit premises where such equipment is being used / obtain recommendations
• ensure suitable for workplace - floor surfaces; indoor / outdoor; space; manoevrability; steps / slopes
• consider SWLs - adequate capacity for loads and size / shapes of parcels
• ensure safe to use - do not introduce unacceptable additional hazards eg tripping
• consider maintenance and storage requirements
• consider training needs of operatives
When introducing use:
• provide information and training
• ensure sufficient available
• ensure suitable inspection arrangements and maintenance procedures
• allow a phased introduction to identify teething problems
• gather user feedback
(c) Other control measures could include:
• automate - conveyors etc
• modification of work environment - ergonomic issues - design / layout / space
• job rotation / rest periods
• identification of “problem” parcels - stickers giving weight information etc
• restrict parcel size / weight
• training in lifting techniques / team lifting
Jan 12 Jul 10
Manual handling risk assessments should consider a range of risk factors including those concerning the task and the load.
Explain how risk factors, within the headings of task and load, relate to nursing staff who carry out manual handling activities when assisting hospital patients with limited mobility. Give a relevant example for this situation for each risk factor. (10)
Answer TBC
Jan 11 Jul 08 Jan 06
Employees working in a warehouse handle a large number of boxes and packages every day. In
order to assist with this activity the employer has decided to invest in a range of non-powered handling equipment such as trolleys and trucks. Outline what factors the employer should consider when selecting suitable equipment. (10)
Factors to consider include:
• the need to ensure user acceptability - consult users; involve in selection process; conduct user trials
/ pilot scheme; obtain user / staff feedback
• any testimonials / recommendations or criticisms from other users; visit premises where such
equipment is being used to see it in use
• ensure suitable for workplace - space / layout / headroom / room to manoeuvre
• ground conditions / floor surfaces / steps / slopes / gradients
• suitability of wheels (indoor / outdoor use)
• design / ergonomic factors - mass / weight of the trolleys / effort required etc; brakes; position of
handles / grips; need for adjustability for different size or strength of user; ease of use
• SWLs of trolleys etc - need to be of adequate capacity for loads/ weights
• need to be of adequate capacity for sizes / shapes of parcels load security / prevent parcels falling
off etc
• compatibility with other equipment / features of workplace
• storage requirements - need to store easily not create congestion / other hazards eg folding / compact
storage
• maintenance requirements / inspection / test / certification / competent person?
• training needs of operatives - level of training required in use, inspection, maintenance etc
• cost / durability / lifespan
• ensure safe to use - do not introduce unacceptable additional hazards eg tripping / WRULDs
Jul 09 Jul 05
Outline the factors that should be considered in relation to the job, the individual and the work environment when carrying out an assessment of ergonomic risks in a workplace. (10)
Job factors relating to ergonomics include:
• consideration of the demands of the job such as the strain put upon the body
• the amount of force or effort required to operate the equipment
• the duration and/or repetition of tasks and the opportunity to take breaks
• the design and layout of controls and display panels - adjustability, clarity, “intuitive”
• the postures that are adopted when carrying out a task, especially if these postures are awkward or
involve frequent twisting, stretching or prolonged stooping
• restricted access / space - constrained posture - sitting / standing
Individual factors relating to ergonomics include:
• the stature, shape, strength and general fitness and mobility of the individual - anthropometric /
biomechanical considerations
• gender, age (YPs - still developing); pregnancy
• sensory abilities / disability (hearing, vision, etc - DDA - reasonable adjustments)
• prior experience, knowledge and level of training
• intellectual abilities
Environmental factors relating to ergonomics include:
• physical aspects of the workplace such as lighting, temperature / humidity and space
• team structures (organisational??)
• levels of supervision (organisational??)
• the availability and use of control measures within the workplace
