20th March 2018

Element-3

1. A group of production line workers are required to check the operation of padlocks
manually as the last stage of a manufacturing process. A number of cases of work
related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) have been reported amongst these workers.
(a) Outline the specific casual factors that may have contributed to the condition (4)
 Repetition - repetitive movements like using the key to check padlocks for several
hours.
 Force - physical force required for moving the checked padlocks from one place to
another puts a strain on the body
 Posture - inadequate posture of the hands during checking operation
 Inadequate rest - The worker might have to work continuously without any rest to
recover from any fatigue
 Environmental parameters - in particular temperature, humidity and ventilation
directly affecting the worker's ability to perform the task and their comfort.
 Equipment design - the shape of the key or padlock if not ergonomically designed.

(b) Outline the measures that should be considered in order to minimize the risk of
WRULDs to these workers (12)
 Automate the process by installing robotic arms or process to eliminate the risk of
WRULDs entirely
 Re-layout the workstation to allow comfortable posture of hands in particular and to
minimize overreaching.
 Change the work process which would minimize twisting of hands e.g. use of
mechanically operated twisting device to check the operation key on padlocks etc.
 Allow short, frequent breaks from the production line
 Introduce job rotation to prevent long duration work checking the padlocks
 Ensure the temperature that is required for manual work is maintained in order to
prevent fatigue and stress
 Ensure that hand tools used are ergonomically-designed
 Introduce routine instruction about ergonomic hazards and control measures for
these workers in daily tool box talks
 Provide health surveillance like medical radiography for workers potentially at risk
of WRULDs
 Appointing a competent supervisor to ensure the right working behavior of workers
at the production line
 The hand tools should be inspected on regular basis
 Condition based maintenance should be provide for hand tools

(c) Identify the typical symptoms that the affected workers would have shown (4)
 Carpel tunnel syndrome
 Tenosynovitis
 Tennis elbow
 Ligament damage

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2. Heavy building materials are to be delivered to a university campus on a large goods

vehicle and unloaded by means of a mobile crane.
(a) Identify precautions that will be required for the safe movement of large goods
vehicle and mobile crane across the university campus. (10)
 Segregated systems for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
 Appropriate road markings on the route to ensure vehicle and pedestrian stays in
the designated areas.
 Maintaining good visibility mirrors, provision of lightings especially flashing lights.
 Audible warnings for vehicles and cranes.
 The vehicles and cranes should move at a limited speed to avoid the risk of collision
 Provision of refuges for pedestrians like pedestrian walkways of pavement.
 Banks man or flag man should be present when the crane is being moved to give
directions to the operator
 High visibility clothing should be provide to banks man or flagman and any other
personnel involved during the movement
 Loads should not be suspended on the crane when it is being moved
 The boom should not be extended while movement of the crane
 The hook and sling of the crane should be carefully secured with the Guy ropes to
prevent unintended movement of hooks while moving
 Care should be taken when passing through overhead power cables

(b) Outline precautions that will be required for safe unloading of the large goods
vehicle by means of the mobile crane. (10)
 The crane should be sited on a firm and level ground
 Outriggers should be fully extended and placed on the ground to ensure stability
 The wind speed should be checked before unloading, no unloading if the wind speed
is beyond the acceptable level
 The area where the loads have to be unloaded should be barricaded
 Appropriate warning signs indicating unloading of loads should be displayed around
the barricaded area
 A lifting risk assessment should be carried out before the lifting to assess the risk
associated with unloading of goods
 A lifting permit to work should be issued by an competent person or area in charge
 Suitably inspected sling , U- bolts, d- shackles and guy ropes should be used
 The Safe working load should be checked before the lifts, should not unload beyond
the safe lifting capacity
 Banks man or signal man should be present for assisting the operator while
unloading
 Tagline should be attached to the loads to ensure stability of the loads
 The lifting activity should only be carried out only in the presence of a competent
supervisor
 People working in the area should be provided with PPEs like high visibility clothing,
leather hand gloves, hard hats etc.

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3. Identify factors that could contribute towards the development of work-related upper
limb disorders (WRULDs) affecting supermarket checkout workers.

 Following factors related might development of WRULD’s among supermarket

workers
 Repetition - repetitive movements like using the barcode scanner for several hours.
 Force - physical force required for moving the goods from one trolley to another
puts a strain on the body
 Posture - inadequate posture of the hands while using display screen equipment
 Inadequate rest - The worker might have to work continuously without any rest to
recover from any fatigue
 Environmental parameters - in particular temperature, humidity and ventilation
directly affecting the worker's ability to perform the task and their comfort.
 Equipment design - the shape of the scanner if not ergonomically designed.

4. A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto metal shelves.

(a) Identify FOUR types of injury that the worker could suffer while carrying out this
activity.
 Back injury - Wear and tear can occur to these discs so that they become distorted.
This causes extreme pain and discomfort and is often accompanied by nerve pain.
 Tendon and ligament injuries - Tendons and ligaments are overloaded they tear
causing extremely painful injuries which can take a long time to heal.
 Muscle injuries - overloaded muscle tissue can tear.
 Hernias - when the sheet muscle that surrounds the gut is overloaded it can distort
and tear. This usually happens in the lower abdomen and can be a painful injury
 Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) - chronic soft-tissue injuries to the
arms, wrists and hands as a result of repetitive movements disorders such as carpal
tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow might be involved.

(b) Outline the factors in relation to the task that will affect the risk of injury with
Manual Handling.
 The height is the load being picked up, carried or put down
 If the task very repetitive
 If there is a high work-rate
 If load have to carried for long distances
 If it involves stooping to move the load
 Twisting or turning the shoulders while the feet stay still
 Inadequate rest breaks taken.
 Lifting the load through a vertical distance
 Reaching above shoulder height
 Holding the load away from their trunk

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5. (a) Identify the possible risk to health associated with the use display screen equipment
(DSE).
 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.
 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 center
staff may be subjected to verbal abuse during telephone calls.

(b) Identify the features of a chair to ensure it is suitable for use at a DSE work station
 Adjustable height of the chair
 Correct and adjustable angle to seat back
 Good lumbar support for hand rest
 Chair should have a stable 5-star base for movement around so that twisting can be
avoid
 Foot support if user cannot get their feet on the floor

6. A goods lift that usually carries meals from a ground floor kitchen to the first floor of a
restaurant has broken down. Until the lift can be fixed, workers will have to carry meals
from the kitchen to the eating area on the first floor.
Outline factors to consider when undertaking a manual handling assessment of this
activity.
The following factors related to task, load, environment and individual can be
considered while undertaking manual handling assessment of carrying meal
The task
 The height is that the vessel being picked up, carried or put down
 If workers have to repeatedly carry meals
 Do they have to work continuously at a high work-rate(probably during party hours)
 The distance of the staircase from the kitchen and restaurant respectively
 Does worker have to put down the meal on table if the table height is low there
might be stooping of the body
 Inadequate or no rest breaks can lead to increase in the fatigue level
 Lifting the meal above shoulder height
 Carrying the meals vertically from the staircase
 If they hold the meal away from the body because if it is hot.
The load
 If the meal is heavy
 If the size of the vessel too large
 If there is no handle attached to the vessel
 The meals might be in the liquid form which can be unstable
 If the carry the load on the side probably because of the serving standards the
center of gravity might not be maintained
 If the meals are hot, the vessels sharp.

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The Environment
 Space restrictions probably in the kitchen or in the gangway
 Uneven or slippery gangway
 moving on staircase to first floor
 Inadequate light levels in the restaurant
 High temperature in the kitchen area
Individual Capabilities
 Unusual ability might be required to lift the meals and serve the meals to customers
 The workers might be expectant mother or a person with pre-existing back injuries

7. Outline a good handling technique that could be adopted by a person required to lift a
load from the ground.
 Before lifting
- Check the weight, C of G and stability of the load.
- Plan the route of the carry.
- Establish a firm grip
 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.
 Setting down
- Use the same principles as when lifting.
- Maintain good balance.
- Set the load down and then adjust its position using body weight.

8. Identify the specific hazards associated with the use of battery- powered fork-lift truck
and outline the precautions necessary in each case
 Charging batteries emit hydrogen gas which is explosive.- Batteries should be
charged in a well-ventilated environment
 Batteries contain dilute sulphuric acid which is corrosive – workers should use
chemical resistant hand gloves while handling acid
 Batteries are extremely heavy and present a manual handling risk 1f they have to
be changed for charging purposes – Handling aid such as trolleys or hoist should be
used care should be take while moving or lowering the batteries
 The electricity can cause arcing, shock, burns or fire – the charging room should be
free of any possible ignition source and flammable materials
 Battery contents are an environmental hazard requiring appropriate disposal –
dispose of the batteries as an hazardous waste to the right disposal agency
 Battery-powered vehicles can be very quiet or almost silent, increasing the risk of
collision with pedestrians extra precautions like separating the pedestrian and
vehicle, installing flashing light with movement alarms on the truck.
 Battery leads can short and result m burns and electric shock- use insulated gloves
and hand tools in order to protect from possible electric shock.

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9. Display screen equipment (DSE) or computer workstation user has complained of neck
and back pain. Identify the features associated with the workstation that might have
contributed towards this condition.
 Lack of adjustable height of the seat
 Lack of adjustable angle to seat back.
 Absence of castors due to which user would have to twist the neck at different positions
 Screen height and tilt not adjustable disallowing comfortable head position
 Improper layout of the desk , user might be required to over reach to find a documents
on the table
 Absence of telephone headset and the user have to pick up the receiver repeatedly.

10. Identify factors that could contribute towards the development of work-related upper
limb disorders (WRULDs) affecting supermarket checkout workers.
 Following factors related might development of WRULD’s among supermarket
workers
 Repetition - repetitive movements like using the barcode scanner for several hours.
 Force - physical force required for moving the goods from one trolley to another
puts a strain on the body
 Posture - inadequate posture of the hands while using display screen equipment
 Inadequate rest - The worker might have to work continuously without any rest to
recover from any fatigue
 Environmental parameters - in particular temperature, humidity and ventilation
directly affecting the worker's ability to perform the task and their comfort.
 Equipment design - the shape of the scanner if not ergonomically designed.

11. An increase in complaints of ill- health effects associated with work-related upper limb
disorders WRULD have been reported amongst brick layers who have been involved in
building work on a long term construction project.

a) Identify typical ill health effects that the bricklayers would have shown?

Typical symptoms such as:

Pain to:

• The back,
• Neck
• Shoulders and/or arms,
• Swollen joints,
• Reduced mobility and stiffness,
• Cramps and muscle fatigue and
• Loss of strength in the hands and grip.

b) Outline reasons why the work carried out by the bricklayers may increase the risk of
developing condition?

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• Workstation layout
• The failure to provide sufficient breaks
• Space constraints resulting in poor working postures;
• Excessive force
• Awkward hand movements needed to carry out an operation;
• Poorly designed tools and equipment;
• The frequency with which tasks needed to be repeated;
• The use of vibrating tools and equipment;
• The involvement of vulnerable workers such as those with pre-existing medical
conditions and pregnant women;
• Environmental factors such as working in areas where the temperature is low; and
• A lack of training in the precautionary measures that should be taken to reduce
the possibility of suffering from WRULDs.

12. Outline a procedure for the safe lifting of a load by a crane, having ensured that the
crane has been correctly selected or positioned for the operations?

• Suitability of the lifting tackle – it must be inspected - must be free of damage,

certified
• Safe working load - the weight of the load should not exceed the safe working load
of the crane
• Free from defect - the crane itself should be free from any defects such as
hydraulic defects, tyre conditions etc.
• Competence of the persons involved - driver, slinger and the signaller. All must be
competent and authorised and be in receipt of adequate training for the equipment
to be used (type of crane, lifting accessories, etc),
• The load to be lifted vertically,
• The load should be secured, balanced and controlled during the lift,
• Taglines may be used as required
• Ensure proper slewing, lowering and moving of the load under control.

13. Identify ergonomic factors that could increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorder at
work?

• Workstation layout
• The failure to provide sufficient breaks
• Space constraints resulting in poor working postures;
• Excessive force
• Awkward hand movements needed to carry out an operation;
• Poorly designed tools and equipment;
• The frequency with which tasks needed to be repeated;
• The use of vibrating tools and equipment;
• The involvement of vulnerable workers such as those with pre-existing medical
conditions and pregnant women;
• Environmental factors such as working in areas where the temperature is low; and

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• A lack of training in the precautionary measures that should be taken to reduce

the possibility of suffering from WRULDs.

14. a) Give the meaning of the term WRULD?

WRULDs usually involve inflammation and discomfort through overuse of muscles,

tendons or ligaments and frequently there is irritation to the nerves, which causes
additional pain.

b) Give examples of occupations that could occur WRULD?

• Display Screen Equipment (DSE) use, in particular keyboard operation (see later for
more detailed information on the assessment of DSE workstations and appropriate
control measures).
• Factory assembly of small components.
• Bricklaying.
• Supermarket checkout operation.

15. Outline ways to improve the task of manual handling activity that will help reduce the
risk of injury?

Modifications may be possible to reduce the significant risk factors

The task:
–– Control repetitive handling by introducing frequent rest breaks or job rotation to
minimize the length of time that an individual worker has to perform the task.
–– Eliminate stooping and twisting by changing the layout of the workstation.
–– Use a table or lift to bring the load to waist height to eliminate picking up from
floor level.

16. Outline reasons why loads may fall from the crane?

• 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.

17. Outline precautions that should take in order to prevent accidents to workers at ground
level when overhead crane are in use?

• Ensure crane operator trained and authorized

• Crane only to be used within its established and certificated safe limits
• Crane inspected and certificated
• Loads to be properly secured to prevent slippage
• Use of tag lines as appropriate to prevent swinging
• All lifting tackle tested and certificated and inspected prior to use
• Employees not to work under the path of the crane
• No-one should stand on the track

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• Safe system of work established and enforced

• When crane approaching staff – sound warning device or give warning
• Set down area properly established
• All persons in the vicinity to be issued with and use appropriate PPE

18. (a) Identify the typical signs and symptoms that might be experienced by affected
individuals;
Typical symptoms such as:
Pain to:
• The back,
• Neck
• Shoulders and/or arms,

• Swollen joints,
• Reduced mobility and stiffness,
• Cramps and muscle fatigue and
• Loss of strength in the hands and grip.
Such conditions will typically affect sleep and normal functioning

(b) Identify the factors that could increase the risk of WRULDs.

• Workstation layout
• The failure to provide sufficient breaks
• Space constraints resulting in poor working postures;
• Excessive force
• Awkward hand movements needed to carry out an operation;
• Poorly designed tools and equipment;
• The frequency with which tasks needed to be repeated;
• The use of vibrating tools and equipment;
• The involvement of vulnerable workers such as those with pre-existing medical
conditions and pregnant women;
• Environmental factors such as working in areas where the temperature is low; and
• A lack of training in the precautionary measures that should be taken to reduce
the possibility of suffering from WRULDs.

19. Water bottles weighting 20kg are currently being stored in a basement and workers are
required to carry them to a first floor office and locate them on to a water dispenser.
Outline control measures that could be taken in order to help reduced the risk of manual
handling injuries relating to?

The task (4 marks)

 Job rotation,
 job break,
 reduce the working time,
 safe lifting technique

The load (2 marks)

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 deploy more workers,

 stabilize the load by proper securing while lifting

The environment (2 marks)

 level uneven floor if exist,

 proper lighting,
 proper housekeeping

20. A mobile hoist to be used in a hospital in order to lift patients from bed and transfer
them into a bath that is located in an adjacent bathroom? Outline control measures that
should be considered to help reduce the risk during the activity?

Patient hoists – these can be manual (where the hoist is lifted by operating a manual
crank handle) or powered, and may be mobile or permanently mounted in a ceiling track.
Hoists should only be used by trained personnel and the safe working load of the hoist
should not be exceeded. The suitability of the equipment for the working environment must
also be considered, e.g. pushing a mobile hoist on a carpet or over rugs may be difficult.
Lifting equipment of this type should be inspected regularly to ensure it remains in good
working order.

21. An item of process equipment which has two large fixed control panels together with a
computer screen has been introduced into a workplace. One person operates the equipment
which includes loading and unloading material by hand. An ergonomic assessment has been
undertaken.
(a) Give the meaning of the term ‘ergonomics’.
An acceptable answer for the meaning of the term „ergonomics‟ would have been a
study of the interface between the person, the equipment and the working environment.

(b) Identify potential ergonomic problems associated with the use of this equipment.
Potential ergonomic problems that might arise from the use of the equipment
described in the scenario include:

• Manual handling issues;

• The effect of repetitive work and/or actions;

• Postural issues such as twisting or stooping;

• The duration of shifts with no opportunity for breaks;

• The control buttons might be out of reach;

• It might be difficult to see the computer screen from the operating position

• The operator might be subjected to reflected glare from the screen;

• There could be the possibility of environmental issues arising such as temperature,

lighting and space constraints.

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22. Identify mechanical Methods for transporting a load that would eliminate manual
handling?

Eliminate the manual handling – by automation or mechanisation of the handling

activity. Conveyor belt systems, forklift trucks, electric pallet trucks, cranes, hoists and other
types of mechanical moving or lifting equipment provide ways of moving loads without the
need for workers to use bodily force.

23. Outline factors to be considered when undertaking a manual handling assessment of the
work undertaken by a baggage handler in a large busy airport

Load
• Varying sizes of luggage
• Unknown weights
• Unknown contents
• Stability of baggage – centre of balance
• Lodged / jammed baggage release

Individual
• Physical abilities
• Medical conditions
• Twisting body requirement

Task
• Lifting bags from one location e.g. belt, cage
• Lowering e.g. from a cage onto a belt
• Pulling e.g. jammed bag, the cart full of bags
• Pushing – the cart of bags, helping a bag move along a conveyor
• Carrying luggage

Environment
• Limited space, e.g. from receiving hatch
• Lighting, e.g. may be bright sun
• Heat e.g. outside on the apron relating to weather, aircraft engines
• Air movement

Other than the pure manual handling aspects considered above one has to think also
about:
• Falling from height e.g. from a conveyor, steps, loading equipment, etc.
• Drawing in to engine turbines if too close and they are operating
• Movement of vehicles around the aircraft, e.g. fuel, food, luggage and passenger
transporters
• Chemical spillages that may come from passenger luggage and any broken items

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