Assessment

1. Which of the following are considered risk factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders? Heavy manual labour Awkward postures Pushing and pulling equipment Previous or existing injuries All of the above

Correct answer - 5 All of the above There is evidence that heavy manual labour, awkward postures, manual handling, including pushing and pulling heavy objects, and a previous or existing injury are all risk factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. The injured person may not always make a full recovery; this may depend on the treatment and advice that they receive

2. A Manual Handling load assessment breaks an activity down into 4 key areas, which are referred to as TILE. Select the correct combination of 4 key areas Task / Individual / Lifting / Environment Task / Individual / Lifting / Equipment Task / Individual / Load / Environment

Correct answer - 3 Task / Individual / Load / Environment The acronym T.I.L.E. is commonly used to shape the risk assessment during manual handling procedures. When faced with a situation which requires manual handling you should conduct a risk assessment. You will be considering a number of questions and for ease these are grouped under 4 categories, using the TILE acronym: TILE stands for Task, Individual capacity, Load and Environment.

3. The ergonomic approach to manual handling can be defined as which one of the following: The specific weight limits a woman can pick up The specific weight limits a man can pick up Fitting the job to the person rather than the person to the job Pulling something instead picking it up

Correct answer – 3 Fitting the job to the person rather than the person to the job An ergonomic approach looks at manual handling as a whole. It takes into account a range of relevant factors, including the nature of the task, the load, the working environment and individual capability and requires worker participation. The ergonomic approach shows clearly that emphasis on how much weight can be lifted is too simple a view of the problem and may lead to incorrect conclusions. Instead, an ergonomic assessment based on a range of relevant factors should be used to determine the risk of injury and point the way to remedial action.

4. What should you do if a load is sharp or very hot or cold? Hold the load away from your body Use protective equipment e.g. gloves, mask Break it down into smaller loads

Correct answer - 2 Use protective equipment e.g. gloves, mask Wearing protective clothing such as gloves will assist you to grip the object properly, using the full length of your fingers and help you keep the load as close to your centre of gravity as possible.

5. Which of the following may have a serious impact on the way in which moving and handling is carried out? Uneven floors Harsh lighting Short skirts Tight trousers Hot environment All of the above

Correct answer - 6 All of the above Floor surfaces that are rough and uneven are tripping hazards and make pulling & pushing tasks more difficult for you e.g. pushing a trolley will require greater force to be exerted. Lighting may affect the postures that you adopt to carry out tasks. If the lighting is poor, you may be hunched up over your work. If the lighting glares then you may adopt an awkward posture to avoid the glare. High temperature and humidity is likely to increase the effort you require to do a task. Clothing may influence your posture and movements while carrying out handling tasks. Bulky clothing will limit movements and require extra space for performing some tasks.

6. When conducting a moving and handling procedure you should place your feet apart with the leading leg as far forward as is comfortable and in the direction you intend to go True False

Correct answer - 1 True For safe manual handling the position that should be adopted is:   Stand astride object Feet shoulder width apart One foot in front of the other for balance Point leading foot in the direction of travel

7. A load becomes more difficult to handle if it is held: Above the shoulders Below your knees Away from the body. ie. with arms stretched out All of the above

Correct answer – 4 All of the above It is important to get a really good grip of an inanimate object to ensure safer manual handling. You should use the whole length of the fingers and not just the finger tips to hold. Any load will become more difficult to handle if it is held: Above the shoulders Below your knees Away from the body. ie. with arms stretched out

8. When using equipment to move an object you should do which of the following: Check it is suitable for the task Be trained to use handling equipment Equipment should always be checked prior to use Report any concerns regarding damage All of the above

Correct answer - 5 All of the above Manual handling should be avoided whenever possible. There will be different types of equipment available to you within your organisation to assist you to move objects and loads. You must check the procedure for maintenance and checking equipment within your organisation. Using equipment should only be considered after assessment and should be used in accordance with the care plan and manufacturer’s instructions. 

9. If you have a team of people available to move an object it means you can lift lots more weight True False

Correct answer - 2 False Lifting as a team doesn’t mean you can lift lots more weight! Two people cannot lift twice as much, only a 1/3rd of what you think they can lift. Three people cannot lift three times as much, only 1/2 of what you think they can lift.

10. In order to protect employers, employees and the public, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992-amended 2002) places legal responsibilities on both the employer and the employee. True False

Correct answer - 1 True Your employer has responsibilities to AVOID moving and handling activities if there is a risk of injury to you ASSESS moving and handling activities if it cannot be avoided REDUCE the risk of injury to you as an employees as much as possible REVIEW regular review of risk assessments You have a responsibility as an employee to follow prescribed systems of work be aware of and understand your organisation’s manual handling policy use equipment provided properly co-operate with your employer on manual handling matters tell your employer if you identify hazardous handling activities or any defects in equipment ensure your activities don’t put others at risk.

THANK YOU End of the assessment