Manual Handling

Question 1

What percent of musculoskeletal disorders account non fatal workers compensation claims?

Answer 1

65%

two thirds are a result of hazardous manual tasks

Question 2

What are the highest risk occupations?

Answer 2

labourers, machinery operators and drivers, technicians and trades workers, community and personal workers

Question 3

What is a musculoskeletal disorders? (MSD)

Answer 3

injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs

Question 4

What is manual handling?

Answer 4

task that requires a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or move, hold or restrain any person animal or thing

Question 5

What does manual handling involve? (list all 5)

Answer 5

• A repetitive or sustained force
• high or sudden force
• repetitive movement
• sustained or awkward posture
• exposure to vibration

Question 6

What is an example of a hazardous manual handling task in radiation therapy task?

Answer 6

Moving a patient from an ambulance to bed, straighten and level, sustained awkward posture over treatment bed

Question 7

What does regulation regarding manual handling state?

Answer 7

A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to health and safety relating to a MSD associated with a hazardous manual task

Question 8

How do we manage workplace risk?

Answer 8

• Use workers job knowledge
• consultant to access and assist developing controls
• management/OHS staff identify, access and develop controls for risks

Question 9

What is the first set of PErforM elements?

Answer 9

• participation of workers and others
• management commitment and support
• site chamipon

Question 10

What is the second set of PEforM elements?

Answer 10

-team training
-communication
-integrated in systems
-risk management
evaluation

Question 11

What are the outcomes of PeForM?

Answer 11

control of manual task risks leading to improved health, productivity, and safety culture

Question 12

What are the risk factors on the PeforM assessment tool?

Answer 12

• exertion
• awkward posture
• vibration
• repetition
• duration

body part

Question 13

What are the two types of ways manual task related injuries occur?

Answer 13

single, one off exposure
(max effort or over load incident)- rare

repeated exposure
(ongoing wear and tear)-more common

Question 14

What is force and why is it a manual handling risk?

Answer 14

-greater force, greater risk
-speed and jerk
(increased effort)

Question 15

Why is posture a risk?

Answer 15

• can be awkward or static

- the linear maze can be 15m

Question 16

What is duration why is it a risk?

Answer 16

• time taken to perform task once or repeatedly

- amount of time exposed to risk

Question 17

What is the hierarchy of control?

Answer 17

Elimination-remove the risk completely

engineering: example- devices that lift patient off beds, swings,

Substitution

Isolation

administration

Question 18

Examples of administration techniques to eliminate risks?

Answer 18

• Job rotation
• change of workflow
• task specific training
• preventative maintenance program
• PPE

Question 19

Is there a link between physical and mental health?

Answer 19

Yes, thus workplaces should manage work related psychosocial hazards

risk of becoming depressed