NEBOSH IGC Element 6 Cheat Sheet: Musculoskeletal health

6.1 Work-related upper limb disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders affect muscles, tendons, joints and nerves.
- ('text', 'Musculoskeletal disorders affect muscles, tendons, joints and nerves.')
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.
- ('text', '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).
- ('text', "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).")

Terms: WRULD

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

Manual handling injuries include back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains, and cuts and bruises.
- ('text', 'Manual handling injuries include back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains, and cuts and bruises.')
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.
- ('text', 'Always try first to avoid manual handling, for example by using a trolley or hoist, then reduce the risk of any that remains.')

Terms: TILE

Tip: Avoid, assess, reduce: the order matters.

Aids include sack trucks and trolleys, pallet trucks, aids for handling people, fork-lift trucks, lifts, hoists for loads and people, conveyors and cranes.
- ('text', 'Aids include sack trucks and trolleys, pallet trucks, aids for handling people, fork-lift trucks, lifts, hoists for loads and people, conveyors and cranes.')
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.
- ('text', '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 equipment needs periodic inspection and examination or testing by a competent person, and records must be kept.
- ('text', 'Lifting equipment needs periodic inspection and examination or testing by a competent person, and records must be kept.')

Terms: Safe working load

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