NEBOSH Musculoskeletal Hazards 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the guideline maximum weight for a woman lifting close to the body at waist height according to HSE filter figures?
- 10 kg
- 16 kg (Correct answer)
- 20 kg
- 25 kg
Correct answer: 16 kg
The HSE guideline filter figures suggest a maximum of approximately 16 kg for a woman lifting close to the body at elbow/waist height. This compares to 25 kg for men in the same position. These are not absolute limits but trigger points for detailed assessment.
Question 2: Which of the following is a health effect commonly associated with prolonged DSE use without adequate breaks?
- Hearing loss
- Temporary eye strain and visual fatigue (Correct answer)
- Lead poisoning
- Vibration white finger
Correct answer: Temporary eye strain and visual fatigue
Prolonged DSE use without adequate breaks commonly causes temporary eye strain (asthenopia), visual fatigue, headaches, and dry eyes. While these are usually temporary and resolve with rest, they can significantly affect comfort and productivity. Upper limb disorders and back pain are also associated risks.
Question 3: In manual handling, what does 'kinetic lifting technique' involve?
- Using maximum force to lift quickly
- Keeping the back straight, bending the knees, keeping the load close, and using leg muscles to lift (Correct answer)
- Lifting with a rounded back to distribute the load across the spine
- Always lifting loads above shoulder height for better grip
Correct answer: Keeping the back straight, bending the knees, keeping the load close, and using leg muscles to lift
The kinetic lifting technique involves maintaining a straight back, bending at the knees, keeping the load close to the body, and using the strong leg muscles rather than the weaker back muscles to power the lift. This reduces compressive forces on the lumbar spine.
Question 4: What type of risk assessment is specifically required by Regulation 4 of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992?
- A generic workplace risk assessment
- A specific manual handling assessment considering task, load, working environment and individual capability (Correct answer)
- A COSHH assessment
- A fire risk assessment
Correct answer: A specific manual handling assessment considering task, load, working environment and individual capability
Regulation 4 requires a specific manual handling risk assessment that considers the task, the load, the working environment, and individual capability (the TILE factors). This is distinct from a general workplace risk assessment under the Management Regulations.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a secondary preventive measure for musculoskeletal disorders?
- Eliminating manual handling entirely through automation
- Health surveillance to detect early symptoms before they become serious (Correct answer)
- Providing rehabilitation after a worker has suffered a serious injury
- Redesigning the task to reduce physical demands
Correct answer: Health surveillance to detect early symptoms before they become serious
Health surveillance is a secondary prevention measure — it aims to detect early signs of musculoskeletal disorders before they develop into serious conditions. Primary prevention eliminates or reduces the hazard, while tertiary prevention involves rehabilitation after injury has occurred.
Question 6: A worker regularly pushes heavy trolleys. Which TILE factor is most relevant when considering whether the trolley wheels are poorly maintained?
- Task — because it affects the force required (Correct answer)
- Individual — because it depends on the worker's strength
- Load — because it relates to the weight on the trolley
- Environment — because it relates to floor conditions
Correct answer: Task — because it affects the force required
Poorly maintained trolley wheels relate to the Task factor because they directly affect the pushing and pulling forces required to move the trolley. The condition of the equipment used in the handling operation is a task consideration, as it changes the physical demands of performing the operation.
NEBOSH Musculoskeletal Hazards 4
What is the guideline maximum weight for a woman lifting close to the body at waist height according to HSE filter figures?