Site Safe Manual Handling NZ 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended approach when pushing or pulling a load?
- Push rather than pull where possible, keep the force at waist height, and maintain good footing (Correct answer)
- Pull is always safer than pushing
- Use maximum force to get the load moving quickly
- Twist your body to get more leverage
Correct answer: Push rather than pull where possible, keep the force at waist height, and maintain good footing
Pushing is generally safer than pulling because you can use your body weight to help and maintain better posture. Force should be applied at waist height, and good footing is essential to avoid slipping.
Question 2: What mechanical aid can reduce manual handling risk for moving loads across a flat surface?
- A trolley, pallet jack, or hand truck (Correct answer)
- A ladder
- A safety harness
- A hard hat
Correct answer: A trolley, pallet jack, or hand truck
Trolleys, pallet jacks, and hand trucks are mechanical aids that significantly reduce the physical effort required to move loads across flat surfaces, reducing the risk of manual handling injuries.
Question 3: What is 'kinetic lifting' technique?
- A lifting method that uses momentum and proper body mechanics to reduce strain during repetitive lifting tasks (Correct answer)
- Lifting while running
- A technique for lifting extremely heavy objects alone
- A method of lifting that uses only arm strength
Correct answer: A lifting method that uses momentum and proper body mechanics to reduce strain during repetitive lifting tasks
Kinetic lifting uses the body's natural momentum and proper posture to reduce strain, particularly useful in repetitive lifting tasks. It emphasises smooth, continuous movement rather than static lifting.
Question 4: What environmental factor can increase manual handling risk on a NZ construction site?
- Wet or uneven ground surfaces that affect footing and balance (Correct answer)
- Bright sunlight making the load easier to see
- Cool temperatures making muscles more relaxed
- Calm wind conditions
Correct answer: Wet or uneven ground surfaces that affect footing and balance
Wet, muddy, or uneven ground affects a worker's stability and balance during manual handling, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and loss of control of the load.
Question 5: Why is twisting while lifting particularly dangerous?
- Because it places the spine under combined loading — compression plus rotation — which greatly increases injury risk (Correct answer)
- Because it slows down the lifting process
- Because it makes the load feel lighter than it is
- Because it is against NZ building regulations
Correct answer: Because it places the spine under combined loading — compression plus rotation — which greatly increases injury risk
Twisting while lifting combines compressive and rotational forces on the spine, greatly increasing the risk of disc injuries. Workers should move their feet to turn rather than twisting at the waist.
Question 6: What should be included in manual handling training for NZ construction workers?
- Hazard identification, risk assessment, correct techniques, use of mechanical aids, and when to seek help (Correct answer)
- Only how to bend the knees when lifting
- Only how to use a forklift
- Only the maximum weights they can lift
Correct answer: Hazard identification, risk assessment, correct techniques, use of mechanical aids, and when to seek help
Effective manual handling training covers identifying manual handling hazards, assessing risks, using correct techniques for various tasks, proper use of mechanical aids, and knowing when to ask for help.
Site Safe Manual Handling NZ 3
What is the recommended approach when pushing or pulling a load?