Musculoskeletal Hazards Flashcards

Which regulation specifically requires employers to provide adjustable chairs for DSE workstations?

Answer: The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992

The Schedule to the DSE Regulations 1992 sets out minimum requirements for workstations, including that the chair must be stable, allow the user freedom of movement, and be adjustable in height. The seat back must also be adjustable in height and tilt.

What is the purpose of a 'team lifting' approach in manual handling?

Answer: To share the load weight between multiple handlers, reducing the physical demand on each individual

Team lifting distributes the weight of a heavy or bulky load between multiple handlers, reducing the physical demand on each individual. However, coordination challenges mean each person's share may be less than the total divided by the number of people, and a risk assessment is still required.

According to HSE guidance, which of the following push/pull forces is considered the guideline threshold for men when starting a load in motion?

Answer: 20 kg force

HSE guideline figures suggest that for men, the force needed to start a load moving (the 'initial force') should not exceed about 20 kg (approximately 200 N). The sustaining force to keep it moving should be lower, around 10 kg. Higher forces trigger the need for a detailed assessment.

Which of the following best describes 'whole-body vibration' as a musculoskeletal hazard?

Answer: Vibration transmitted through the seat or feet to the whole body, typically from vehicles or machinery

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is transmitted through the seat or floor to the entire body, typically when operating vehicles, mobile machinery, or standing on vibrating platforms. Long-term exposure is associated with lower back pain and spinal degeneration, distinct from hand-arm vibration syndrome.

What is a key ergonomic consideration when designing a manual handling task to reduce injury risk?

Answer: Positioning the load at the start and end of the lift between knuckle and shoulder height

Positioning loads between knuckle and shoulder height (the 'power zone') minimises the need to bend, stoop, or reach overhead. This is a key ergonomic principle in task design, as it keeps the spine in a neutral posture and allows the strongest muscles to be used most effectively.

Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, what ongoing duty does an employer have after completing an initial assessment?

Answer: A duty to review the assessment if there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or circumstances have changed significantly

Regulation 4(2) requires employers to review assessments if there is reason to suspect they are no longer valid or if there has been a significant change in the manual handling operations. This ensures assessments remain current and relevant rather than becoming outdated paper exercises.