248

Appendix 8.1 Workstation self-assessment checklist

Furniture (Continued)

6. Desk

Is the desk surface large enough to allow you to place all

your equipment where you want it? Yes/No

Is the height of the desk suitable? Yes Too high Too low

Does the desk have a matt surface (non-reflectant)? Yes/No

7. Footrest

If you cannot place your feet flat on the floor whilst keying,
has a footrest been supplied? Yes/No

8. Document holder

If it would be of benefit to use a document holder, has one

been supplied? Yes/No

If you have a document holder, is it adjustable to suit your needs? Yes/No

Display Screen Equipment

9. Display screen

Can you easily adjust the brightness and the

contrast between the characters on screen and the
background? Yes/No

Does the screen tilt and swivel freely? Yes/No

Is the screen image stable and free from flicker? Yes/No

Is the screen at a height which is comfortable for you? Yes/No

10. Keyboard

Is the keyboard separate from the screen? Yes/No

Can you raise and lower the keyboard height? Yes/No

Can you easily see the symbols on the keys? Yes/No

Is there enough space to rest your hands in front of the keyboard? Yes/No

Record (Continued)
 CHAPTER
8
Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
249

11. Software

Do you understand how to use the software? Yes/No

12. Training

Have you been trained in the use of your workstation? Yes/No

Have you been trained in the use of software? Yes/No

If you were to have a problem relating to display screen

work, would you know the correct procedures to follow? Yes/No

Do you understand the arrangements for eye and eyesight tests? Yes/No

Any other comments?

8
250 Appendix 8.2 Manual handling of loads: assessment checklist

APPENDIX 8.2:╇Manual handling of loads: assessment checklist

Section A – Preliminary assessment

Task description: Is an assessment needed? (i.e. is there a poten-
tial risk of injury, and are the factors beyond the
limits of the guidelines?)
Factors beyond the limits of the guidelines? Yes/No

If ‘YES ‘continue. If ‘NO’ no further assessment required.

Tasks covered by this assessment Diagrams and other information
Location:
People involved:
Date of assessment:
Section B – See detailed analysis form
Section C – Overall assessment of the risk of injury? Low/Med/High
Section D – Remedial action needed:
Remedial action, in priority order:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Date action should be completed: Date for review:
Assessor’s name: Signature:
Manual Handling Risk Assessment:
Task Description................................................................................ Employees...............................................
....................................................................................................... I.D. Number..............................................
.......................................................................................................
Risk Factors
A. Task Characteristics Yes/No Risk Level Current Controls
H M L See guidance
1. Loads held away from trunk?

2. Twisting?
(Continued)
 CHAPTER
Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control 8 251

A. Task Characteristics Yes/No Risk Level Current Controls

H M L See guidance
3. Stooping?

4. Reaching upwards?

5. Extensive vertical movements?

6. Long carrying distances?

7. Strenuous pushing or pulling?

8. Unpredictable movements of loads?

9. Repetitive handling operations?

10. Insufficient periods of rest/recovery?

11. High work rate imposed?

B. Load Characteristics

1. Heavy?

2. Bulky?

3. Difficult to grasp?

4. Unstable/unpredictable?

5. Harmful (sharp/hot)?

C. Work Environment Characteristics

1. Postural constraints?

2. Floor suitability?

3. Even surface?

4. Thermal/humidity suitability?

5. Lighting suitability?

D. Individual Characteristics

1. Unusual capability required? 8

2. Hazard to those with health
problems?

3. Hazard to pregnant workers?

4. Special information/training
required?

E. Other Factors to Consider

1. Movement or posture hindered by

protective clothing?

2. Absence of correct/suitable PPE?

(Continued)
252 Appendix 8.2 Manual handling of loads: assessment checklist

E. Other Factors to Consider Yes/No Risk Level Current Controls

H M L See guidance
3. Lack of planning and scheduling
rest periods?

4. Poor communications between

managers and employees?

5. Sudden changes in workload or

seasonal changes in volume without
mechanism to deal with change?

6. Lack of training and/or information?

7. Any learning disabilities?

Any further action needed? Yes/No

Details:
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
CHAPTER
8 253

APPENDIX 8.3:╇A typical risk assessment for the use of lifting equipment

INITIAL RISK ASSESSMENT Use of Lifting Equipment

SIGNIFICANT HAZARDS Low Medium High
1. Unintentional release of load ✓
2. Unplanned movement of load ✓
3. Damage to equipment ✓
4. Crush injuries to personnel ✓
5.

ACTION ALREADY TAKEN TO REDUCE THE RISKS:

Compliance with:
Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)
Safety Signs and Signals Regulations (SSSR). Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)
British Standard – Specification for flat woven webbing slings
BS – Guide to selection & use of lifting slings for multi purposes

Planning:
Copies of statutory thorough examinations of lifting equipment will be kept on site. Before selection of lifting
equipment, the above standards will be considered as well as the weight, size, shape and centre of gravity of the
load. Lifting equipment is subject to the planned maintenance programme.

Physical:
All items of lifting equipment will be identified individually and stored so as to prevent physical damage or
deterioration. Safe working loads of lifting equipment will be established before use. Packing will be used to protect
slings from sharp edges on the load. All items of lifting equipment will be visually examined for signs of damage
before use. Ensuring the eyes of strops are directly below the appliance hook and that tail ropes are fitted to larger
loads will check swinging of the load. Banksmen will be used where the lifting equipment operator’s vision is
obstructed. Approved hand signals will be used.

Managerial/Supervisory:
Only lifting equipment that is in date for statutory examination will be used. Manufacturer’s instructions will be
checked to ensure that methods of sling attachment and slinging arrangements generally are correct.

Training:
Personnel involved in the slinging of loads and use of lifting equipment will be required to be trained to CITB or 8
equivalent standard. Supervisors will be trained in the supervision of lifting operations.
Date of Assessment................................... Assessment made by................................................
Risk Re-Assessment Date............................. Site Manager’s Comments: