Risk Factors

When assessing a work task or an environment for risk in relation to Manual Tasks, this needs to be done by identifying and evaluating the Direct and the Contributory Risk Factors. Click on the thumbnail below to view a pictoral representation of this. Navigate back to this page by using the step back arrow at the top of your browser.

DIRECT RISK FACTORS

Direct Risk factors include FORCE, POSTURE and TIME.

FORCE - If a force is jerky or unexpected it is more likely to lead to injury. Equally, if the force is large enough it will injure the worker exposed to it. The most commonly asked question is

'What force or load is safe for a worker to handle?'

Sadly, there is no hard and fast answer. There are many variables such as the worker's: age, sex, physical fitness, any previous injuries they have, how fatigued they are, whether or not their muscles are warm or tight, what height they are lifting from and to. All these variables are known as Contributory factors... some of which we are aware of or can control, some which we can't. The best control is always to keep the loads as low as possible. Equally, if you feel you are struggling to handle a load, that's when you are taking risks.

POSTURE - in simple terms, Posture refers to the position your body is in. A neutral posture includes maintaining the normal curves of your spine with your feet together and arms by side. The further the body deviates from this position, the greater the load on the body and the greater the risk. There are also a number of high pressure positions including kneeling, squatting, reaching above your head, sitting and bending. These positions are best avoided if possible.

TIME - is a factor in relation to Duration and Repetition. To manage this risk it is important to make every effort to keep the duration of tasks short, and try to ensure there is as much variety for workers in their tasks as possible. We can do this through the use of Pause Break Exercises, and ensuring good Job Rotation

Contributory Risk Factors

Contributory factors increase or decrease risk as a result of the effect they have on the Direct Risk Factors of FORCE, POSTURE, and TIME.

The Nature of the task including pace, repetition, the forces involved, as well as any exposure to vibration can directly affect time and posture risks.

Work organisation (including staff levels, the provision of breaks and job rotation) will determine how long a worker performs a task.

The work Environment (space, lighting, floor surfaces, temperature) affects the worker's focus, endurance and fatigue levels which in turn affect the level of risk.

Individual factors specific to the worker can be viewed by clicking the link above. These include Age, Sex, pre-existing injuries, skill and level of experience, as well as level of physical fitness.