Element 4 Musculoskeletal Hazards and risk control

Question 1

Identify specific types of injury that could foreseeably be caused by the manual handling of loads

Answer 1

• back injuries
• muscle strain and sprain
• hernia
• cuts abrasions and bruising
• bone injuries
• WRULDs
• Musculoskeletal disorders

Question 2

Outline the main features of the good lifting techniques that should be followed by a worker when lifting a load in order to avoid manual handling injuries

Answer 2

• stop and think
• assess the weight of the load
• bend the knees
• keep the back straight
• establish a good grip
• use of body weight
• keep the load close to the body
• don’t twist the body
• position of the feet shoulders and hips in the same directions

Question 3

When preparing for a lifting operation using a crane outline the main steps to be taken to ensure a safe system of work

Answer 3

• Planning the lift
• correct selection of crane
• correct selection of lifting tackle
• ensure the competence of the crane driver and slinger
• ensure there is a valid and current test certificate

Question 4

Explain the meaning of the work ergonomics

Answer 4

Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between the worker the work that they’re doing and the work in which they are doing it

Question 5

Poorly designed work stations can cause a range of ill health effects
Outline these health effects

Answer 5

• physical stress
• visual problems due to excessive brightness
• mental stress due to excessive demand
• WRULD

Question 6

Identify the four factors to be considered in a manual handling risk assessment

Answer 6

Task
Individual
Load
Environment

T. I. L. E

Question 7

Outline the steps that should be considered to reduce the risk from manual handling operations and give an example in each case

Answer 7

Task: eliminate the need to do the task
Tasks should be minimised introducing breaks and job rotation and finding ways that people can operate their own pace rather than keeping up with a machine or process

Individual individual should be given instruction and training for example lifting technique allowances should be made for people with health problems expectant mothers and people with previous injuries implement additional manual handling equipment eg hoists

The load. Large loads to be broken down into smaller loads handles and grips clean smooth surfaces but not slippy hot and cold items should be insulated the weight and centre of gravity

Environment:access and egress space to move the height items are lifted temperature ramps steps and ladders