Site Safe Manual Handling NZ 2

Question 1

What is a 'musculoskeletal disorder' (MSD)?

Accepted Answer

An injury or condition affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, or spinal discs

Answer

Musculoskeletal disorders affect the body's movement system — muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. They can result from manual handling, repetitive tasks, and sustained awkward postures.

Question 2

What is 'team lifting' and when should it be considered?

Accepted Answer

Two or more people lifting a load together when it is too heavy, awkward, or large for one person

Answer

Team lifting involves two or more people coordinating to lift a load together. It should be considered when the load is too heavy, large, or awkward for one person, though mechanical aids should be considered first.

Question 3

What should a worker do if they cannot safely handle a load alone?

Accepted Answer

Stop, assess the situation, and either get help from another worker, use a mechanical aid, or break the load into smaller parts

Answer

If a load cannot be safely handled alone, the worker should stop and consider alternatives: getting assistance from others, using mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists), or breaking the load into smaller, manageable parts.

Question 4

What is 'repetitive strain injury' (RSI)?

Accepted Answer

A condition caused by performing the same movement repeatedly, leading to damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves

Answer

RSI is a general term for conditions caused by repetitive movements, sustained or awkward postures, or forceful exertions. Common examples include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and epicondylitis.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a manual handling risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

To identify manual handling tasks that could cause injury and determine appropriate controls

Answer

A manual handling risk assessment systematically identifies tasks that pose a risk of musculoskeletal injury, evaluates the level of risk, and determines appropriate controls to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.

Site Safe Practice Test

Site Safe Practice Test

Site Safe Manual Handling NZ 2