Element 3 Flashcards
Identify the typical forms of ill health associated with poor work design?
- Back injuries and back pain.
- Work Related Upper Limb Disorders.
- Other chronic soft tissue injuries.
Collectively, all of these conditions can be referred to as MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDs).
List some repetitive activities which give rise to a higher risk of MSD?
- Display Screen Equipment (DSE) use.
- Factory assembly of small components.
- Supermarket checkout operation.
- Bricklaying.
Define “Ergonomics”?
The study of the relationship between the worker, the work that they are doing, and the environment in which they are doing it.
Ergonomics is concerned with the interaction of people with…..?
- Tools, equipment or machinery.
- The workplace environment (lighting, etc).
- Organisational factors (shift patterns or hours of work).
What is the aim of Ergonomics?
- To minimise ill health.
- Optimise efficiency.
- Adapt the workplace to suit the individual.
- Take into account a persons physical attributes.
- Take into account a persons mental attributes.
Outline the ill health effects of poor task and workstation design?
- Fatigue or strain on the eyes from excessive glare, poor lighting, screen flicker, etc.
- Headaches from excessive glare, noise, poor lighting, etc.
- General fatigue due to temperature difference, humidity, monotony, poorly placed controls or difficult to read displays.
- Aches and pains, muscle strains from over reaching, continually getting up and down, turning, twisting, etc. Poor positioning of key boards and display screens.
- Aches and pains from poor seating design and positioning in relation to workstation items and tasks.
Identify the Ergonomic factors that influence risk, which relate to the Task?
- Repetition.
- Force.
- Posture.
- Twisting.
- Rest.
Identify the Ergonomic factors that influence risk, which relate to the Equipment?
- Equipment Design.
- Equipment Adjustability.
Identify the Ergonomic factors that influence risk, which relate to the Environment?
- Lighting.
- Other environmental parameters.
Outline some control measures for Display Screen Equipment?
- Carry our a workstation assessment to ensure that the equipment and environment meets minimum standards, and that it can be adjusted to suit the user.
- Provide basic DSE equipment that meets good ergonomic design.
- Plan the users work routine: short, frequent breaks.
- Provide DSE users with free eye tests and specs.
- Provide information, instruction and training on the potential health risks of DSE. Educate on use of preventative measures.
List some good ergonomics at a workstation?
- Adjustable height and angle seat back.
- Adjustable height seat.
- Good lumbar support.
- Foot support.
- Space for postural change.
- Screen height and tilt should be adjustable.
- Space in front of keyboard to support hands/wrists.
- Desk laid out to minimise the need for twisting/over reaching.
- A document holder may be required.
- A headset for the telephone.
- Workplace lighting.
Identify the 4 main factors by which “Manual Handling” can be assessed?
- The Task
- The Individual Capabilities
- The Load
- The Environment
TILE
List the common types of Manual Handling injury?
- Back injury
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Muscle injuries
- Hernias
- WRULDs
- Cuts, burns, dislocation and broken bones
Define Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)?
Seeks to compare monetary value of benefits with the monetary value of costs.
Define “Benefit”?
Anything that increases human well being.
Define “Cost”?
Anything that decreases human well being.
When Manual Handling, outline factors on how the TASK can be risk assessed?
- At what height is the load being picked up, carried or put down?
- Is the task very repetitive?
- Is a long carrying distance involved?
- Does the task involve stooping (bending back), to move the load?
- Does the task involve twisting?
- Can rest breaks be taken as the worker requires them?
- Does the task involve lifting the load through a vertical distance?
- Does the task involve reaching above shoulder height?
- Does the task involve the worker holding the load away from their torso?
When Manual Handling, outline factors on how the LOAD can be risk assessed?
- How heavy is the load?
- How large and bulky is the load?
- How stable is the load?
- Where is the centre of gravity (C of G) of the load?
- Is the load difficult to grip?
- Is the load hot, sharp or otherwise hazardous?
When Manual Handling, outline factors on how the ENVIRONMENT can be risk assessed?
- Are there restrictions on the space available?
- Is the floor surface slippery or uneven?
- Are there changes in the floor level (steps, stairs, etc)?
- What are the light levels like?
- What is the temperature and humidity?