Element 6: Musculoskeletal Health
Learning Objectives
• Describe work processes and practices that may give rise to work-related upper limb
disorders and appropriate control measures.
• Describe the hazards and control measures which should be considered when assessing risks
from manual handling activities.
• Describe the hazards and controls associated with
load-handling equipment and the requirements for lifting operations.
6.1: Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders
High-Risk Activities/Repetitive Operations
• Muscular system
• Circulatory system
• Skeletal system
• Nervous system
• Joints (soft tissues)
• Tendons- A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue which attaches muscle to bone.
• Ligaments- A ligament is a fibrous connective tissue which attaches bone to bone
Matching the Workplace to Individual Needs
Ergonomics is concerned with the interaction between people and:
• The tools, equipment or machinery that they are using.
• The workplace environment.
• Organisational factors.- eg Shift time
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders
Ergonomic hazards
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs):
A collection of injuries to the skeletal system and the soft tissues associated with that system, which
includes
• Back injuries and back pain:
‒ E.g. back muscle strain, ligament damage and disc injury.
• Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDs):
‒ E.g. carpal tunnel syndrome and tenosynovitis.
• Other chronic soft-tissue injuries:
‒ Associated with sitting, standing or kneeling for long periods of time at work.
A Typical Example: Display Screen Equipment
Risks:
• WRULDs.
• Back pain.
• Eye strain.
• Fatigue and stress.
Computer Center- The Control Measures
• Provide basic DSE workstation equipment to minimum standards.
• Plan the work routine.
• Provide free eyesight tests and spectacles, if required.
• Provide information and training on:
‒ Risks.
‒ Preventive measures.
‒ I.e. ergonomic use of the workstation.
The Control Measures
End of Module 6.1 Exercise
1. What factors increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries?
2. What health effects can arise due to the use of DSE?
3. What control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of DSE injuries? (NB not
the contents of a DSE assessment.)
6.2: Manual Handling
Manual Handling
The lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of a load by bodily force.
Group Exercise
What common injuries occur when carrying out a manual handling task?
Common Types of Manual Handling Injury
• Back injury – prolapsed disc.
• Tendon and ligament injuries.
• Muscle injuries.
• Hernias.
• WRULDs.
• Cuts, burns, dislocation and broken bones.
Assessing Manual Handling Risks
Four main factors:
• Task.
• Individual.
• Load.
• Environment.
The Task
• Height of load.
• Repetition of task.
• Carry distance.
• Stooping.
• Twisting.
• Rest breaks.
• Vertical distance.
• Above shoulder height.
• Overreaching.
Individual Capabilities
• Physique
• Physical fitness
• Training
• Confidence level
• Age
• Gender
• Height
• Pre existing diseases
• Vulnerable people Eg Pregnant women
• Use of PPE
The Load
• Weight.
• Size and bulk.
• Stability.
• Centre of gravity.
• Grip.
• Is it hot, sharp, etc.?
The Environment
• Space restrictions.
• Floor condition:
‐ Slippery?
‐ Uneven?
• Changes in floor level.
• Light levels.
• Temperature.
• Humidity.
Avoiding or Minimising the Manual Handling Risks
• Eliminate.
• Assess.
• Use handling aids.
• Modify the:
‒ Task.
‒ Load.
‒ Environment.
• Match individual capabilities to the activity.
Eliminating or avoiding the Manual Handling Risks
• Automation.
• Mechanisation.
• Conveyor systems.
• Forklift trucks.
• Pallet trucks.
• Cranes.
• Hoists.
Substituting [Reducing] the Manual Handling Risks
• Trolleys.
• Barrel lifts.
• Gin wheels.
• Trucks.
• Hoists and lifts.
• Wheel chairs
• Slide sheets
• Chain blocks
• Pulleys
• Jacks
Avoiding or Minimising the Manual Handling Risks
The Task:
• Rest breaks or job rotation.
• Eliminate stooping or twisting.
The Load:
• Smaller loads.
• Stabilise loads.
• Mark centre of gravity.
• Attach handles.
• Several workers.
The Environment:
• Rearrange workspace.
• Level uneven floors.
• Additional lighting.
The Individual:
• Match individual capabilities to the activity.
6.3: Load-Handling Equipment
Hazards and Controls for Manually Operated
Load-Handling Equipment
Hazards:
• Manual handling risks (bodily force is still needed).
• Instability of the load.
• Moving up, down or across slopes.
• Poor parking.
• Other pedestrians may be struck.
• Trapped feet.
• Trapped person being handled.
Hazards and Controls for Manually Operated Load-Handling Equipment
Controls:
• Trained workers only.
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Avoid uneven ground and slopes.
• Use ramps over steps.
• Safe working load.
• Securing the load.
• Use the brakes (if fitted).
• Care when moving or lowering the load.
• Safe parking and storage.
• Routine inspection and maintenance.
• Safety shoes or boots.
Group Exercise
What accidents could occur with the use of a forklift truck?
Forklift Trucks
Hazards:
• Overturn of the truck.
• Fall of the load.
• Striking pedestrians.
• Fall or entrapment of persons riding on forks.
• Fall from loading dock.
Lifts and Hoists
Hazards:
• Falling objects.
• Being struck by the load.
• Entanglement in moving parts.
• Falls from height.
• Getting struck at projections
Lifts and Hoists
Precautions:
• Suitable for its intended use.
• Preventing people getting:
‒ Underneath the hoist or lift platform.
‒ Access to an unprotected landing edge.
‒ Struck by landings or other obstructions when being carried on the platform.
• Maximum safe working load.
• Safety devices, e.g. brakes working.
• Competent operators.
• Information, instruction and training.
• Routine maintenance.
• Routine inspection and thorough examination.
Conveyors
Hazards:
• Drawing-in hazards at in-running nip points.
• Entanglement with rotating parts.
• Falling objects:
‒ Especially from overhead conveyors.
Conveyors
Precautions:
• Guards on moving parts.
• Emergency stops/pull-cords.
• Exclude people from area.
• Information, instruction and training form operators.
• No loose clothing/long hair/jewellery.
• Inspection and maintenance.
• Defect reporting.
Group Exercise
What could go wrong with a mobile crane during its operation?
Try to explain why.
Cranes
Hazards:
• The crane collapsing or toppling over.
• The arm (boom or jib) striking structures.
• Falling load.
• The load striking objects or people.
• Contact with live overhead cables.
Cranes
Control Measures :
• Selection of the right equipment
• Regular pre use checks
• Periodic inspection and maintenance
by competent mechanics
• Third party inspection, testing and certification
• Usage of outriggers correctly.
• Do not use in high winds.
• Do not extend the jib or boom too far.
• Do not use under overhead lines
• Do not exceed SWL
Cranes
Control Measures :
• Operated by competent drivers
• Services of Riggers and banksman
• Using of lift plan
• Ensure that crane is placed on firm level ground
