Manual Handling Ireland Flashcards

What regulation specifically covers manual handling in Irish workplaces?

Answer: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 4

Manual handling is covered under Chapter 4 of Part 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.

What should an employer do if manual handling cannot be avoided?

Answer: Carry out a risk assessment and implement measures to reduce the risk of injury

If manual handling cannot be avoided, the employer must carry out a specific manual handling risk assessment and implement measures to reduce the risk as far as practicable.

What is repetitive strain injury (RSI)?

Answer: Pain and damage caused by repetitive movements or sustained awkward postures

RSI covers a range of conditions caused by repetitive movements, excessive force, or sustained awkward postures, affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves, typically in the hands, wrists, and arms.

Why is team lifting more hazardous than individual lifting?

Answer: Coordination is difficult and the load sharing is often unequal

Team lifting introduces coordination challenges — members may lift at different times, carry unequal shares of the load, or have different heights, increasing the overall risk.

What is the recommended technique for pushing vs pulling a load?

Answer: Pushing is generally safer than pulling as you can use your body weight

Pushing is generally safer than pulling because you can use your body weight to assist, maintain better posture, and have better visibility of the path ahead.

What personal factors affect manual handling capability?

Answer: Age, fitness, existing injuries, pregnancy, and training level

Individual factors including age, physical fitness, existing injuries or conditions, pregnancy, fatigue, training, and experience all affect a person's manual handling capability.