NEBOSH CC Manual Handling & Musculoskeletal Disorders 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which regulations specifically require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling operations where reasonably practicable?
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (Correct answer)
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Correct answer: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling operations where reasonably practicable and, where they cannot be avoided, to assess and reduce the risk of injury as far as reasonably practicable.
Question 2: What is the first step in the hierarchy for managing manual handling risks?
- Avoid the hazardous manual handling operation entirely (Correct answer)
- Carry out a risk assessment
- Provide mechanical assistance
- Train workers in safe lifting technique
Correct answer: Avoid the hazardous manual handling operation entirely
The MHOR hierarchy requires employers first to avoid hazardous manual handling operations where reasonably practicable — for example by redesigning the task so loads do not need to be moved manually.
Question 3: What does the acronym TILE stand for in manual handling risk assessment?
- Task, Individual, Load, Environment (Correct answer)
- Time, Injury, Load, Equipment
- Task, Instruction, Lifting, Environment
- Training, Individual, Lifting, Equipment
Correct answer: Task, Individual, Load, Environment
TILE is a framework for manual handling risk assessment: Task (what movements are involved), Individual (capability of the worker), Load (characteristics of what is being moved), and Environment (the working conditions and space available).
Question 4: What is the approximate maximum load weight that the Manual Handling Operations Regulations suggest as a guideline for lifting from floor level?
- 10kg for women and 20kg for men in ideal conditions
- 20kg for women and 40kg for men
- No specific weight is given — risk assessment determines safe loads (Correct answer)
- The same weight applies for everyone regardless of gender
Correct answer: No specific weight is given — risk assessment determines safe loads
The MHOR do not specify maximum weights. The HSE provides guideline weights as a starting point, but the actual safe weight depends on the individual, task, load and environment. A risk assessment is required for all potentially hazardous operations.
Question 5: Which type of injury is most commonly caused by poor manual handling technique?
- Lower back injury (Correct answer)
- Upper limb fracture
- Head injury
- Crush injury to the foot
Correct answer: Lower back injury
Lower back injuries, including muscle strain, disc prolapse and ligament damage, are the most common injuries from poor manual handling. The lumbar spine is particularly vulnerable during lifting, twisting and carrying operations.
Question 6: What does 'musculoskeletal disorder' (MSD) mean?
- An injury or disorder affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves or joints (Correct answer)
- A respiratory disease caused by dust inhalation
- A skin condition caused by contact with chemicals
- A hearing disorder caused by excessive noise
Correct answer: An injury or disorder affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves or joints
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints and associated structures of the upper and lower limbs, neck and back, often caused or aggravated by work activities.
NEBOSH CC Manual Handling & Musculoskeletal Disorders 1
Which regulations specifically require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling operations where reasonably practicable?