B9 Musculoskeletal Risk And Controls

Question 1

Definition of ergonomics

Answer 1

The study between the relationship between the worker, the work they are doing and the environment in which they are doing it.

Question 2

Typical forms of ill health associated with poor work design

Answer 2

• Back injury and back pain
• Work related upper limb disorder (WRULDs) ie carpel tunnel
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Muscle injuries ie hernia
• Cuts, burns and broken bones
• Other chronic soft tissue injuries ie nurse maids knee
• Eye strain
• Fatigue and stress

Question 3

MSD risks are associated with

Answer 3

• Sitting for long periods of time
• Standing for long periods of time (esp static)
• Any repetitive movement of the body
• Any repetitive use of force
• Any manual handling (regardless or force or weight required)
• Work in restricted space where the body posture is constrained

Question 4

Legal requirements for assessing and controlling musculoskeletal risks

Answer 4

• MHSWR= general requirement for risk assessment as well as requirements for information, instruction and training.
• Manual, handling operations regs = specific requirements for employers to reduce risk from manual handling.
• Health and Safety Display screen regs = Requires employers to conduct DSE.
• Workplace Health, Safety and welfare regs = Requires a workstation to be arranged to suit both the person using it and the work required.

Question 5

Risk factors to consider when conducting an ergonomic assessment

Answer 5

• Recetion
• Force
• Posture
• Twisting
• Rest
• Equipment Design
• Equipment adjustability
• Lighting
• Other environmental parameters
• Individual capability’s

Question 6

Four main factors to focus on during a manual handling assessment

Answer 6

• The task
• The load
• The environment
• The individual capabilities

Question 7

Manual handling assessment - The task

Answer 7

• What hight is the load being picked up, carried and put down
• Is the task repetitive
• Is the load being carried along distance
• Does the task require the lifter to stoop or twist
• Can rest breaks be taken as the worker requires
• Does the task require lifting the load through vertical
• Does the task involving reaching above shoulder height or away from the torso

Question 8

Manual handling assessment - The Load

Answer 8

• How heavy is the load
• How large or bulky is the load
• How stable is the load
• Where is centre of gravity of the load
• Is the load difficult to grip
• Is the load hot, cold, sharp or otherwise hazardous

Question 9

Manual handling assessment - The Environment

Answer 9

• Are there restrictions on space
• Is the floor surface slippery or uneven
• Are there changes in the floor level
• What are the light levels
• What is the temperature and humidity

Question 10

Manual handling assessment - The Individual capability’s

Answer 10

• Does the task require unusual abilities ie strength, stamina, size
• Does the task pose a problem to vulnerable individuals ie pregnant women or persons with a pre existing back condition

Question 11

Manual handling control measures

Answer 11

• Eliminate
• Assess that which cannot be eliminated
• Use handling aids
• Modify task, load or environment
• Ensure Individual capability’s are matched to activities

Question 12

Good ergonomic Design of tools and equipment

Answer 12

• Force - requires minimal force
• Posture - maintains good Posture
• Twisting- minimise Twisting
• Rest - allows rest during use
• Shape - designed for comfort and fit
• Adjustability- allows adjustments to suit all

Question 13

Factors to consider when choosing a chair

Answer 13

• is the chair comfortable for intended period of use.
• Is the lower back adequately supported
• is the upholstery sufficiently supportive
• Are the edges sufficiently padded to prevent pressure on thighs
• Does the chair have adequate and sufficient range of adjustment
• Is the height adjustable to allow work to be carried out at or below elbow height
• Does the back rest adjust sufficiently in height and depth to allow the user to gain support
• Are arm rests suitable for task and station
• do arm rests allow the user to bring the chair close enough to the work station
• does the chair allow access to all required controls
• can chair be adjusted while seated