Manual Handling Flashcards

According to Irish health and safety regulations, what is the recommended maximum weight for a single male worker to lift without mechanical assistance?

Answer: 25 kg

The HSA guidance recommends 25 kg as a general guideline for a healthy male adult under ideal conditions. In practice, the safe limit depends on the individual, posture, frequency, and distance.

What does the acronym TILE stand for in manual handling risk assessment?

Answer: Task, Individual, Load, Environment

TILE is the framework for manual handling risk assessment: Task (what movements are required), Individual (the person's capability), Load (weight, size, stability), and Environment (space, floor, temperature).

What is the correct posture for lifting a heavy object from the floor on a construction site?

Answer: Bend the knees, keep the back straight, hold the load close to the body

Safe lifting requires bending the knees (not the waist), keeping the spine in a neutral straight position, and holding the load close to the body's centre of gravity to reduce strain on the lower back.

Which body part is most commonly injured during manual handling operations on construction sites?

Answer: Lower back

The lower back is the most commonly injured area during manual handling. The lumbar spine is vulnerable to compressive and twisting forces when lifting incorrectly or handling heavy loads.

What should a worker do before manually handling a very heavy or awkward load?

Answer: Assess the load and seek mechanical assistance or a team lift if necessary

Workers should always assess the load first. If it is too heavy or awkward for one person, mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists) or a team lift should be arranged to prevent injury.

What is the primary legal obligation of an employer regarding manual handling under Irish law?

Answer: To avoid the need for manual handling or reduce the risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, employers must first try to eliminate manual handling, then reduce the risk by introducing mechanical aids or changing the task.