IGC 2.

3 MUSCULOSKELETAL HAZARDS AND RISK CONTROL

1. A) Define the term ergonomics

A study that identifies the interface between man and machine
b) Identify SIX factors that need to be considered during an ergonomic assessment

comfort in accessing the controls

posture used by the operator

duration of the work

task requirements such as repetitive movements twisting, bending etc.

Use of PPE to complete a task

Environmental conditions
2. Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD)s are responsible for many cases of work-related ill-health .
a) Identify TWO examples of WRULDS
1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
2. Tenosovytis
3. Tendonitis
4. Bursitis
b) Identify THREE work activities that may cause WRULDS and the typical symptoms that might be
experienced by affected individuals
1. Manual handling over reaching whilst stacking a rack above head level
Symptoms would include: muscle pain, inflammation, pins and needles in shoulders.
2. DSE work from repeat movements of mouse operation during the computer work.
Symptoms would include: pain in palm and wrist areas
c) Describe the measures that should be taken to minimise the risk to these individuals

A work station risk assessment

Reducing the duration of the work

Regular breaks

Health Surveillance etc.
3. Employees who work for a publishing company are required to use display screen equipment (computers)
for eight hours a day
a) Identify the risks to the health and safety of these employees
1. Musculoskeletal disorders
2. Eye strain/Eye fatigue /Sore eyes
3. Back pain from poor posture and ergonomics
4. headache
b) Outline the factors to consider when making an assessment of a display screen equipment (DSE)
workstation

Workstation space

Seating arrangements

Ventilation windows and airconditioning units

Noise and Vibration in the surroundings

Lighting glare on the screens

D}.Identify the features of a suitable seat for use at a DSE workstation

Height adjustability

Neck rest

Hand and arm rest

Comfort cushioning

Foot rest

Wheels for easy mobility
4. A) Identify FOUR types of injury that may be caused by the incorrect manual handling of loads

Back pain

Foot injuries

Cuts and abrasions

Fractures
b) Outline a good lifting technique that should be adopted by a person required to lift a load from the
ground to a work bench.

Think and assess the weight of the load

Keep the feet apart

Bend down on knees to pick up load to distribute the load equally

Grasp the load correctly

Pick up the load smoothly without sudden and swift movements

Move ahead and place the load at comfortable height and adjust
c) Give TWO examples of how a manual handling task might be avoided

use of a trolley

pallet truck
5. Outline the factors that may affect the risk from manual handling activities in relation to:
a) The task

Number of repeat movements twisting, bending etc.

Duration of the work

Breaks

Distance to travel

Environmental issues
b) The individual

Age

Fitness

Competency in carrying out task

Level of training received
c) The load

Weight

Size

Shape

Grasps and handling aids
d) The environment

Surface conditions

Lighting

Ventilation

Space constraint

6. Metal boxes, each weighing 5kg are lifted by workers from the ground to a conveyor belt for onward
transmission to a paint shop.
a) Outline the issues that should be considered when undertaking a manual handling assessment of this task

The task and its repeat movements over reaching to place boxes on to the conveyor
The load itself grip to pick up, centre of gravity, sharp edges
The individual fitness, competency in lifting the boxes, posture maintained
The environment lighting levels, humidity, flooring

b) Identify FOUR factors associated with the worker that may affect the risk of injury when lifting the boxes

Incorrect handling techniques used

Not using grip aids

Age

Poor assessment skills
c) Outline the measures that may be needed in order to reduce the risk of injury to the workers undertaking
this task

Use of mechanical aids

Reduce the weight

Reduce the time duration job rotation of the task

Instruction, training and supervison

Use of suitable PPE gloves and safety shoes

Health Surveillance

7. In order to minimise the risk of injury when undertaking a manual handling operation
a) Identify FOUR types of manually operated load handling equipment that can be used to assist the manual
handling operation

Roller truck

Pallet truck

Trolley

Wheel barrow
b) Outline FOUR hazards and the corresponding precautions to be taken when using conveyor systems for
moving materials within a workplace.

Falling objects

In running nip

Entanglement

Slips and trips

Provision of edge protection

Suitable guarding

No loose clothing

Good housekeeping around the conveyor

8. Fork-lift trucks are used extensively in busy warehouses.

A) Identify EIGHT general and FOUR physical hazards associated with their use
1. Overturning
2. Overloading
3. Collisions
4. Silent operation
5. Overhead obstructions
6. Loss of load
7. Battery charging
8. Fure
9. Overspeeding
10. Loss of load
11. Noise
12. Exhaust fumes
13. Vibrations
14. Manual Handling
B) Outline the checks that the driver should undertake at the beginning of shift

Check the handbrake

Tilt and forks

Other controls of the forklift

Seat restraint

Roll over protection system

Fall over protection system

Check the horn
C) Identify FOUR rules that the driver should follow when a fork-lift truck is left unattended

Parked in designated area

Forks lowered down

Keys handed over to the responsible person

Load not left on the forks

Battery disconnected
D) Identify EIGHT ways in which a fork-lift truck may become unstable whilst in operation

Driving on uneven surface

Driving with forks raised

Over speeding

Carry passengers

Turn around on ramps

Not driving on prescribed lanes

Allow unauthorised use

Incompetent use

9. A pedestrian has been injured after a collision with a fork-lift truck in a warehouse. Outline the possible
immediate causes of the accident associated with:
a) Pedestrian..

Walking in vehicle traffic route

Not paying attention to the vehicle horn

Not wearing hi-vis clothing
b) The way in which the vehicle was driven

Untrained driver

Over speeding

Not using mirrors correctly

Driving in pedestrian route
c) The workplace

No segregation of vehicles and pedestrians

No speed limits and enforcement

Poor lighting

Poor housekeeping
d) The vehicle

Poor maintenance

Not suitable for use

No audible alarms fitted

Poor condition of tyre

10. A) Identify THREE types of crane used for lifting operations

Jib crane

Gantry crane

Overhead crane
b) Outline the key issues for the safe management of all crane operations

Inspection of crane

Tyre pressures

Planning the lifting activity

Loads not suspended

Travel with the load as close as to the ground

Lifting done as per safe working load
c)

Identify EIGHT reasons for accidents during the operation of cranes

Overloading

Poor slinging of the load

Insecure or unbalanced load

Loss of load

Overturning

Collision with another structure or overhead power lines

Foundation failure

Operator error

d) Identify EIGHT requirements of crane drivers to ensure the safe operation of the crane

The driver has good visibility

There are no pedestrians below the load by using barriers

An audible warning is given prior to the lifting operation

All pedestrians are re-routed during the lifting operation

Selection of crane type

Checking the outriggers

Ensuring weather conditions are suitable

There is a signalman

Area barricaded with adequate signage

All staff in the lifting area is wearing a safety helmet

11) A mobile crane is to be used on a construction site

a) Outline the principal requirements for lifting operations

Lift must be planned

Overhead obstructions are identified

The ground is assessed

Outriggers used
b) Outline the precautions that should be taken when using the crane

Inspection of crane

Tyre pressures

Planning the lifting activity

Loads not suspended

Travel with the load as close as to the ground

Lifting done as per safe working load
c) Outline issues that could be included in a lifting plan

The driver has good visibility

There are no pedestrians below the load by using barriers

An audible warning is given prior to the lifting operation

All pedestrians are re-routed during the lifting operation

Selection of crane type

Checking the outriggers

Ensuring weather conditions are suitable

There is a signalman

Area barricaded with adequate signage

All staff in the lifting area is wearing a safety helmet
12) An overhead gantry crane is used in a plastic manufacturing factory to transport heavy equipment between
machines
a) Identify FOUR reasons why loads may fall from the crane

Overloading

Poor slinging

Insecure or unbalanced load

Loss of load

b) Outline the precautions to be taken so that accidents to those working at ground level are prevented
when gantry cranes are in use

The driver has good visibility

There are no pedestrians below the load by using barriers

An audible warning is given prior to the lifting operation

All pedestrians are re-routed during the lifting operation

Selection of crane type

Checking the outriggers

Ensuring weather conditions are suitable

There is a signalman

Area barricaded with adequate signage

All staff in the lifting area is wearing a safety helmet

13) A mechanical hoist with specially designed lifting tackle is used to remove engines from vehicles in a motor
repair shop
A) Outline the precautions to be taken to reduce the risk of injury to the employees and others during
the lifting operation

The driver has good visibility

There are no pedestrians below the load by using barriers

An audible warning is given prior to the lifting operation

All pedestrians are re-routed during the lifting operation

Selection of crane type

Checking the outriggers

Ensuring weather conditions are suitable

There is a signalman

Area barricaded with adequate signage

All staff in the lifting area is wearing a safety helmet
b) Identify issues concerning the condition of lifting accessories that could form part of a pre-use checklist












c)

Proper installation
SWL certificate issued
SWL indicator fitted
Safe slinging
Load is properly shackled
Eyebolts tightened

Identify the two types of safety inspection required for this equipment

Inspection carried out by a competent person

A thorough examination done by a person independent of the employer

14) A) Identify the occasions when a thorough examination of a fork-lift truck should be undertaken

After an accident

Manufacturers instructions

Enforcement action
b) Outline the difference between an inspection and a thorough examination of lifting equipment
Inspection to identify whether the equipment can be operated, adjusted and maintained safely so that any
defect, damage or wear can be detected before it results in unacceptable risks.
Thorough examination is a detailed examination, which may involve a visual check, a disassembly and
testing of components and/or an equipment test under operating conditions. The examination is usually
carried out by someone who is independent of the employer and according to a written scheme and a
written report is submitted to the employer.
c) Identify the duties of the person making a thorough examination of lifting equipment

The person to examine, visually, critically, carefully

Notify the employer forthwith of any defect which in their opinion is or could become dangerous

Write an authenticated report to the employer and any person who leased or hired the equipment