IGC 2 - Element 3 - Musculoskeletal Hazards Controls

NEBOSH International General Certificate
IGC 2 Element 3
Musculoskeletal Hazards &

Risk Control
1
Learning outcomes
• Explain work processes and practices that may give rise to
work-related upper limb disorders and appropriate control
measures
• Explain the hazards and control measures which should be
considered when assessing risks from manual handling
activities
• Explain the hazards, precautions and procedures to reduce
the risk in the use of lifting and moving equipment with specific
reference to manually operated load moving equipment
• Explain the hazards, precautions and procedures to reduce
the risk in the use of lifting equipment with specific reference 2
to mechanically operated load moving equipment 2
Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety
Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders
(WRULDs)

Musculoskeletal Disorder is a condition where a part
of musculoskeletal system is injured over time
MSDs are injuries or pain in the body’s
joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves,
tendons, and structures that support
limbs, neck and back.
The musculoskeletal system provides form,

support, stability, and movement to the body. It
is made up of the bones of the skeleton,
muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints,
and other connective tissue that supports and
binds tissues and organs together.

Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Back injuries and back pain
– associated with repetitive handling or poor posture and
movement while standing or sitting for long periods of
time.
• Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs)
– a generic term for many different medical conditions that
affect the arms and hands
(the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand)
• Other chronic soft-tissue injuries
– associated with sitting, standing or kneeling for long
periods of time at work, e.g. painful knee joints
5

High Risk Activities of musculoskeletal disorders:
• Display screen equipment (DSE) use
• Factory assembly of small components
• Bricklaying
• Supermarket checkout operation

Adapting the Workplace To Individual Needs
•The risk of musculoskeletal disorders can be
reduced by adapting the workplace to suit the
individual needs of workers.
•This is often referred to as applying an
“ergonomic” approach.

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
Concerned the interaction between people and:
• The tools, equipment or machinery they are using
– e.g. the ease of use of control panels
• The workplace environment
– e.g. suitability of lighting
• Organizational factors
– e.g. shift patterns, hours of work

Ergonomic
Factors that influence risk:
To Task:
•Repetition –e.g. typing for several hours
•Force – e.g. closing stiff catches on a machine
•Posture – e.g. stooping over into a bin to pick out
contents
•Twisting – e.g. twisting the wrist when using a
screwdriver
•Rest – e.g. a worker on a production line cannot stop the
line; they have to keep working even when fatigued
10

Ergonomic
Factors that influence risk:
To Environment:
•Lighting – poor lighting & presence of glare
•Other environmental parameters –temperature, humidity
and ventilation
To Equipment:
•Design – (e.g. a large, shaped handle on a scraper makes it
easier to hold and use).
•Adjustability – (e.g. the height of the seat for a computer
user).
11

Ergonomic
Control Measures can be achieved by introducing
changes to:
• the task and the way that it is done,
• the tools, equipment and machinery, and
• the workplace environment,
so as to suit the individuals carrying out the work
12

Display screen equipment (DSE)
13

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
Risk or ill-health issues:
• WRULDs
– associated with repetitive use of the keyboard
and mouse for long periods of time.
• Eye strain
– temporary eye fatigue associated with
prolonged use of the screen.
14

Risk or ill-health issues:
• Back pain
– and other MSDs associated with sitting in a fixed
position, perhaps with poor posture, for long periods
of time.
• Fatigue and stress
– associated with the type of work being done, e.g. call
centre staff may be subjected to verbal abuse during
telephone calls.
15

Control measures:
•Carry out a workstation assessment
of the user’s workstation.
•Provide basic DSE workstation
equipment that meets minimum
standards in terms of good
ergonomic design.
16

Control measures:
•Plan the user’s work routine so that they can take
short, frequent breaks.
•Provide DSE users with a free eye test and, if
required, spectacles for screen use.
•Provide information and training to users and the
preventive measures, in particular ergonomic use of
the workstation.
17

Good ergonomics
of DSE
workstation
18

Good ergonomics at a DSE
workstation
For laptops:
• Allow short-duration use
• For long durations apply the same management
approach of workstation assessment, frequent
breaks, eye test, information and training.
• Provide a docking station and/or separate screen,
keyboard and mouse to a more adjustable
configuration. 19

Factory assembly of small components
Note:
Risk and Control measures
are the same of DSE.
20

Manual Handling Hazards, Risks and
Control Measures
21

Manual handling
• The lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of a load
by bodily force.
22

Manual handling
Common Types of Hazard and Injury
• Back injury
– the spine is made up of individual
bones (vertebrae) separated by tough
pads (intervertebral discs).
– Wear and tear can occur to discs they
become distorted (slipped disc)
23

Manual handling
• Tendon and ligament injuries
– (tendons and ligaments are the connective tissues that
join muscle to bone and bone to bone respectively).
– When tendons and ligaments are overloaded they tear
causing extremely painful injuries which can take a
long time to heal.
24

Manual handling
• Muscle injuries
– overloaded muscle tissue can tear.
– painful and likely to lead to short-term impairment.
• Hernias
– sheet muscle that surrounds the gut is overloaded it
can distort and tear.
– painful injury that will not repair naturally. In many
instances an operation is required * 25

Manual handling
• Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs)
– chronic soft-tissue injuries to the arms, wrists and
hands as a result of repetitive movements (also
referred to as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
• Cuts, burns, dislocation and broken bones
– physical injury may result if the load is hot, sharp or
dropped on the feet.
26

Assessing Manual Handling Risks
27

Focuses on four main factors:
• Task
– movements required as worker handle the load
• Load
– load that is being handled
• Environment
– environment in which the handling takes place
• Individual capabilities
– worker carrying out the handling activity 28

1) The Load
• Weight - heavy
• Size - bulky
• Shape - difficult to grasp
• Rigidity - contents liable to shift
• Outside surfaces - sharp
• Stability of contents - unstable
• Other hazards – hot, cold
29
Manual Handling Risk Assessment
2) The Individual
1) Gender
2) Physical strength
3) Stature - physique; height, etc.
4) State of health
5) Level of training
6) Hazards to pregnant women
7) Person’s perception of their ability
8) Age
30
3) The Task
• Holding loads away from trunk
• Twisting, stooping, reaching
• Large vertical movements
• Distances involved
• Strenuous pulling and pushing
• Repetitive handling
• Unpredictable movement of load
• Sufficient rest or recovery period
• A work rate imposed by the process
31
4) The Environment
• Lighting
• Ventilation
• Obstacles
• Height of work surfaces
• Temperature
• Floor conditions
• Space available
32
Manual Handling Controls
33

Simple hierarchy of controls:
• Eliminate the manual handling.
– automation or mechanization of the handling activity
• Assess the manual handling that cannot be
eliminated.
– looking at the four factors of: task, load, environment,
and individual capabilities
• Use handling aids.
– trolleys, barrel lifts, gin wheels, trucks, hoists and lifts 34

Simple hierarchy of controls:
• Modify the task, load or environment.
– The task - frequent rest breaks or job rotation,
eliminate stooping and twisting
– The load - Break down a heavy load into smaller parts,
attach handles
– The environment - Rearrange the workspace to allow
more space, supply additional lighting, level an uneven
floor
• Ensure individual capabilities are matched to the35
activity.
Safe Lifting Technique
Before lifting
• Check the weight, C of G and stability of the load.
• Plan the route of the carry.
• Establish a firm grip.
36

The lift
• Bend the knees and use the leg muscles to lift.
• Keep the back upright.
• Keep the load close to the body.
• Avoid twisting, over-reaching, jerking.
37

Setting down
• Use the same principles as when
lifting.
• Maintain good balance.
• Set the load down and then adjust
its position
• using body weight.
38

Manually and Mechanically Operated
Load Handling Equipment
39

Pedestrian (Manually) Operated Load
Handling Equipment
Hazards:
• Manual handling risk associated with pushing or
pulling the truck.
• Instability of the load causing the load to fall.
• Moving up, down or across slopes causing loss of
control.
40

Handling Equipment
Hazards:
• Poor parking of the truck causing obstruction in a
traffic route.
• Other pedestrians may be struck during
maneuvering.
• Trapped feet under the wheels or when lowering
the load.
41

Handling Equipment
Precautionary Measures:
• Avoidance of uneven ground and slopes.
• Use of ramps over steps.
• Observing the safe working load limits of the
truck.
• Securing the load if necessary.
• Using the brakes (if fitted) whenever the truck is 42
stationary.
Handling Equipment
Precautionary Measures:
• Care when moving or lowering the load.
• Safe parking and storage to avoid obstruction.
• Routine inspection and maintenance.
• Use of safety shoes or boots to avoid crush
injuries.
43

Handling Equipment
People Hoists and Handling Aids
•Patient hoists
– hoist is lifted by operating a
manual crank handle
•Small handling aids
– slide sheets and transfer boards
– used to assist the transfer of
patients
•Wheelchairs
44

Mechanically Operated Load Handling
Equipment
• Forklift Trucks
• Hoists
• Conveyors
• Cranes
45

Equipment
Forklift Trucks – Hazards:
•Overturn of the truck
•Fall of the load
•Striking of pedestrians
•Fall or entrapment of a person
riding on the forks
•Fall from loading dock 46

Equipment
Forklift Truck – Precautionary Measures:
•Restricting use to trained operators only.
•Routine visual inspection of the truck before use.
•Routine maintenance of the truck in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
•Never using the forklift to lift people unless a
proper working platform is attached.
•Ensuring that the load on the forks is secure and
47
stable.
Equipment
Forklift Truck – Precautionary Measures:
•Ensuring that the safe working load limits of the
truck are not exceeded.
•Observing site speed limits.
•Never travelling with the forks raised.
•Never travelling with obstructed vision.
48

Equipment
Forklift Trucks Engine Type:
• Battery-powered trucks
• Diesel-powered trucks
• Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)-powered trucks
49

Equipment
Forklift - Battery-powered trucks Hazards:
• Charging batteries emit hydrogen gas which is
explosive (hydrogen gas formed & sulfuric acid in battery fluid)
• Batteries contain dilute sulphuric acid which is
corrosive.
• Batteries are extremely heavy and present a
manual handling risk.
• The electricity can cause arcing, shock, burns or
fire. 50

Equipment
Forklift - Battery-powered trucks Hazards:
• Battery contents are an environmental hazard
requiring appropriate disposal.
• Running very quiet, increasing the risk of collision
with pedestrians.
• Battery leads can short and result in burns and
electric shock.
51

Equipment
Forklift - Battery-powered trucks Precautions:
• Batteries must be charged in well-ventilated areas
only, away from ignition sources.
• Sulphuric acid should only be handled when
wearing appropriate PPE (gloves, apron and
eye/face protection).
• Battery handling should be mechanized.
• The electrical risk may require the use of insulated
tools and gloves. 52

Equipment
Forklift - Diesel-powered trucks Hazards:
• Dermatitis caused by contact of diesel with the
skin.
• Diesel spills are a significant slip hazard
• Large spills might pollute the environment.
• Exhaust fumes are toxic.
• Those hazards associated with the bulk storage of
diesel.
53

Equipment
Forklift - Diesel-powered trucks Precautions:
• Should only be used in a well-ventilated area.
• Spill kits should be available.
• Gloves should be worn when handling diesel.
54

Equipment
Forklift - LPG-powered trucks Hazards:
• LPG is an explosive gas.
• Exhaust fumes are toxic.
• LPG cylinders are heavy and present a manual
handling risk during changing.
• Those hazards associated with the storage of
replacement cylinders or bulk storage of LPG.
55

Equipment
Forklift - LPG-powered trucks Precautions:
• Should only be used in a well-ventilated area.
• LPG cylinder handling should be mechanized.
• Spare cylinders must be stored in a secure, safe
well-ventilated location
56

Hoists
57

Equipment
Hoist - Main hazards:
• Falling objects
• Being struck by the load.
• Becoming entangled in moving parts.
• Falls from height.
• Being struck by landing levels, parts of any
enclosure. 58

Equipment
Hoists - Precautions:
• Ensuring that the hoist or lift is suitable for its
intended use.
• Preventing people from getting underneath the
hoist or lift platform or the load during a lifting
operation.
• Preventing people from gaining access to an
59
unprotected landing edge.
Equipment
• Preventing people being carried on the lift
platform from being struck by landings.
• Observing the maximum safe working load.
• Ensuring that all safety devices such as brakes, free
fall brakes and interlocks are in full working order.
60

Equipment
• Restricting the use of the hoist or lift where
necessary to trained, competent people only.
• Providing information, instruction and training as
required.
• Routine maintenance.
• Routine inspection and thorough examination. 61

Conveyors
62

Equipment
Conveyors - Main hazards:
•Contact in-running nip points - fingers might be
drawn into moving parts.
•Entanglement - loose clothing might become
entangled with rotating parts.
•Falling objects – materials falling off the conveyor
•Manual Handling – loading and unloading
•Trapping – drawing in of limbs clothes
63

Equipment
Conveyors - Precautions:
• Emergency stop buttons • Restricted access
• Fixed guards on rollers • Trip wires
• Regular maintenance • Safe access
• Side guards • Avoid loose clothing
• Information, instruction, • Head protection
training • Reporting system of
defects 64

Cranes
65

Equipment
Mobile crane - Main hazards :
• The crane collapsing or toppling over.
• The arm (jib) of the crane striking
against other structures during
movement.
• The load (or part of it) falling.
• The load striking against objects or
people while being maneuvered.
• Contact with live overhead cables.
66

Equipment
Factors that mobile crane unstable and topple over:
• Overloading the crane beyond its lifting capacity.
• Siting the crane on uneven or unstable ground.
• Failure to use the outriggers (legs) correctly.
• Using the crane in high winds.
• Extending the jib of the crane too far out for the
weight being lifted.
• Structural failure of parts (perhaps due to lack of 67
maintenance).
Equipment
Mobile crane - Precautions:
• Ensuring that the load to be lifted is within the
safe lifting capacity of the crane.
• Carefully siting the crane on even, stable ground in
a safe position away from structures or overheads
• Using the outriggers correctly
• Checking that the crane has been maintained and
has a certificate
68

Equipment
• Restricting use of the crane to competent
operators.
• Ensuring that each lift is planned and supervised.
• Providing a banksman.
• Ensuring that safety devices such as overload
indicators are operational and are used correctly
69

Equipment
•Checking that there are no obstructions such as
buildings or overhead lines.
•Checking weather conditions and obeying any
manufacturer’s recommendations about maximum
wind speed.
•Lifting the load as close to the ground as possible;
never lifting the load directly over a person.
70

Equipment
• Using PPE such hard hats, steel toe-cap boots and
hivis clothing.
• Using signs to warn of the operations and
exclusion of personnel from the area.
71

Lifting Equipment Inspection
• Before it is used for the first time.
• Before it is used for the first time where the way
that it has been installed will make a difference to
its strength and stability.
• Periodically.
• After an event that may have affected its strength
and stability.
72

Frequency of “Periodic” Examination
Will typically be:

• Every 12 months where it is not used to carry
people.
• Every six months where it is used to carry people.
• Every six months for lifting accessories
73

Questions?
74

Question
Identify the possible ill health effects to workers using
display screen equipment.
 Musculoskeletal disorders (hand, arm, shoulder and neck)

 Eye and eyesight problems (temporary visual fatigue)
 Fatigue and stress (high speed, less breaks, lack of social
interaction)
 Epilepsy ( a common chronic neurological disorder)
75
75
Question
Identify the design features of a suitable chair for use
with display screen equipment (4)
 Adjustable height
 Adjustable lumbar support
 Comfortable cushion
 Ability to swivel
 5 castor wheels for mobility and stability
76
76
Question
A worker is manually loading boxes of components
onto metal shelves.
Identify four types of injury that the worker could
suffer while carrying out this activity (4)
 Cuts from sharp metal shelves, muscle strain from lifting of

boxes, crushing injury from dropping boxes onto foot, hernia
from lifting heavy boxes, slip disc from incorrect lifting
technique.
77
Question
A worker is manually loading boxes of components
onto metal shelves.
Identify factors in relation to the task that could
increase the risk of injury (4).
 The amount of lifting, twisting, turning, reaching and
bending, the rate of work
 Distances involved
 Strenuous pulling and pushing of load
 Repetitive handling
 Unpredictable movement of load, Sufficient rest or recovery
period
78
Question
Identify the risk factors that could affect manual handling
activities in relation to:
(a) The Load (b) The individual
 Physical weight - heavy  Gender
 Size - bulky  Physical strength
 Shape - difficult to grasp  Stature - physique; height, etc.
 Rigidity - contents liable to shift  State of health
 Outside surfaces - sharp  Level of training
 Stability of contents - unstable  Hazards to pregnant women
 Other hazards - hot/cold  Person’s perception of their ability
79

IGC 2 - Element 3 - Musculoskeletal Hazards Controls

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

IGC 2 - Element 3 - Musculoskeletal Hazards Controls

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

NEBOSH International General Certificate

Musculoskeletal Hazards &

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

The musculoskeletal system provides form,

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

so as to suit the individuals carrying out the work

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Display screen equipment (DSE)

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Factory assembly of small components

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety

Element 1: Foundations in Health and Safety