Site Safe Manual Handling NZ 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of job rotation in managing manual handling risks?
- It reduces repetitive strain by varying the physical demands on workers throughout the day (Correct answer)
- It ensures all workers learn every job on site
- It prevents boredom at work
- It is required by NZ law for all construction sites
Correct answer: It reduces repetitive strain by varying the physical demands on workers throughout the day
Job rotation is an administrative control that reduces the cumulative physical stress on specific body parts by alternating workers between different tasks with different physical demands.
Question 2: What is a 'manual handling assessment chart' (MAC)?
- A tool that helps assessors evaluate the risk of common manual handling activities by scoring risk factors (Correct answer)
- A chart showing the maximum weights for different body types
- A map of the worksite showing where manual handling occurs
- A roster showing which workers are assigned to lifting tasks
Correct answer: A tool that helps assessors evaluate the risk of common manual handling activities by scoring risk factors
The MAC tool helps assessors evaluate the risk level of manual handling activities by scoring factors such as load weight, hand distance from the body, trunk position, and environmental conditions.
Question 3: What should a worker consider before lifting an unfamiliar load?
- The weight, size, shape, grip points, centre of gravity, and whether the contents could shift (Correct answer)
- Only whether they feel strong enough
- Only the colour and labelling on the load
- Only how far they need to carry it
Correct answer: The weight, size, shape, grip points, centre of gravity, and whether the contents could shift
Before lifting an unfamiliar load, a worker should assess its weight (test by rocking), size and shape, available grip points, centre of gravity, whether contents could shift, and any sharp edges or protrusions.
Question 4: What is the risk of manual handling in hot conditions on a NZ construction site?
- Increased fatigue, reduced grip from sweating, and impaired concentration, leading to higher injury risk (Correct answer)
- Hot conditions have no effect on manual handling safety
- Workers are more flexible in hot conditions, reducing risk
- The load becomes lighter in hot conditions
Correct answer: Increased fatigue, reduced grip from sweating, and impaired concentration, leading to higher injury risk
Hot conditions increase fatigue, cause sweating that reduces grip, and impair concentration and decision-making. This combination significantly increases the risk of manual handling injuries.
Question 5: What is the benefit of storing materials at waist height?
- It reduces the need to bend down or reach up, minimising strain on the back and shoulders (Correct answer)
- It keeps materials out of sight of visitors
- It is a legal requirement for all NZ workplaces
- It makes the workspace look tidier
Correct answer: It reduces the need to bend down or reach up, minimising strain on the back and shoulders
Storing materials at waist height (between knuckle and elbow height) reduces the need for bending, stooping, or reaching overhead, which are postures that significantly increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Question 6: When carrying a load on stairs, what precautions should be taken?
- Ensure clear vision of the stairs, use the handrail if possible, maintain steady pace, and consider mechanical alternatives (Correct answer)
- Run up the stairs to reduce the time under load
- Always carry the load above head height for visibility
- No special precautions are needed on stairs
Correct answer: Ensure clear vision of the stairs, use the handrail if possible, maintain steady pace, and consider mechanical alternatives
Carrying loads on stairs requires clear vision of the steps, using a handrail where possible, maintaining a steady pace, ensuring the stairs are clear of obstacles, and considering alternatives such as hoists or conveyors.
Site Safe Manual Handling NZ 4
What is the role of job rotation in managing manual handling risks?