Element 6: Musculoskeletal health

6.1 Work-related upper limb disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders affect muscles, tendons, joints and nerves. Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) are those of the arms, hands, shoulders and neck, caused or made worse by work. Conditions include tendon inflammation, carpal tunnel syndrome and general aches and pains.

They arise from poorly designed tasks and workstations: repetitive movements, forceful actions, awkward postures, long periods without a break, a bad chair or desk, glare on a screen.

To reduce the risk, consider the task (avoid repetition and strain, allow breaks and variety), the environment (lighting, glare, temperature) and the equipment (adjustable chairs and desks, suitable tools, fitting the workplace to the individual's needs).

Key terms

• WRULD: Work-related upper limb disorder.

Study tip: The fix is to fit the job to the person, not the person to the job.

Practice questions for 6.1

6.2 Manual handling

Manual handling injuries include back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains, and cuts and bruises. They are caused by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying loads by hand, and may be sudden or the result of cumulative strain.

Good handling technique for lifting:

• Plan the lift and check the route.
• Stand close with feet apart.
• Bend the knees and keep the back straight.
• Get a firm grip and lift smoothly.
• Keep the load close to the body.
• Avoid twisting.
• Put the load down carefully.

To avoid or reduce risk, look at:

• The task (twisting, long distances, no rest).
• The individual (strength, health, training, pregnancy).
• The load (heavy, bulky, unstable, hard to grip).
• The working environment (floors, space, temperature, lighting).

Always try first to avoid manual handling, for example by using a trolley or hoist, then reduce the risk of any that remains.

Key terms

• TILE: Task, Individual, Load, Environment: the factors to consider in manual handling.

Study tip: Avoid, assess, reduce: the order matters.

Practice questions for 6.2

6.3 Load handling equipment

Aids include sack trucks and trolleys, pallet trucks, aids for handling people, fork-lift trucks, lifts, hoists for loads and people, conveyors and cranes. Each has its own hazards, for example overturning, being struck, trapping and overloading, and its own controls.

For lifting operations that use mechanical equipment: the equipment must be strong, stable and suitable; positioned and installed correctly; and visibly marked with its safe working load. Lifting operations must be planned, supervised and carried out safely by competent persons. Equipment used for lifting people needs special extra requirements.

Lifting equipment needs periodic inspection and examination or testing by a competent person, and records must be kept.

Key terms

• Safe working load: The maximum load that equipment is rated to lift safely, marked on the equipment.

Study tip: Inspection and examination are required at regular intervals, not just once at purchase.

Practice questions for 6.3