Q. 1 (a) Give the meaning of the term Ergonomics.

. (3) Ergonomics is a branch of science that aims to learn about human abilities and limitations and then apply that knowledge to improve people's interaction with products, systems and environments. (b) Identify the possible health effects that may be caused by the poor ergonomic design of display screen equipment workstations. (3) Muscular Discomforts: Minor to severe pain in the shoulders, neck, upper arms, wrists, hands, back, and legs are common complaints. Repeating the same movements daily may produce repetitive strain injuries (RSI). These include: tenosynovitis, writers cramp, and carpal tunnel syndrome. musculo-skeletal problems, visual fatigue and mental stress Eye Fatigue and Discomforts: Asthenopia is another common complaint leading weakness or easy fatigue of the visual organs attended by pain in the eyes, headache, dimness of vision, etc Stress: It emphasizes environmental conditions relating to space, lighting, noise, and temperature control; and poor workstation design including unfriendly software, job design, working procedures, inadequate supervision, improper training, and inappropriate management style Radiation: Photosensitive Epilepsy: Evidence shows that, although VDT's are not the cause of epilepsy, prolonged eye contact with the VDT screen can initiate seizures in individuals with the preexisting condition of Photo-sensitive Epilepsy Skin Rashes: A variety of skin conditions ranging from facial itching to Erythema or reddening of the skin has been linked to the environmental conditions of low humidity and a high level of static (c) Identify the factors to be considered in an ergonomic assessment of a display screen equipment workstation. We are specifically interested in ergonomic insights into the use of computer systems and workstation. A no. of factors to be considered in ergonomic assessment such as Equipment position,height and location of keyboard, mouse etc. including environmental factors such as light, Noise and glare on screen, screen colour and definition. Time task and Repetition as well as availability of space, software ,Individual - inter-relationships with the work equipment and Working posture of fingers, hands and wrists ,shoulders and arms.

Specific attention to be paid to Psychosocial factors such as: pace of work, unplanned overtime/shift work, little control over own work, stressful deadlines, lack of training.
Identify the factors that may increase the risk of developing WRULDs.

Ans. The factors to consider that may give rise to developing WRULD include the task, the environment and the equipment. It is essential that when assessing the risks, that these factors are considered such as force to be applied, frequency of task and duration, repetition and posture to be adopted etc. Special consideration is given for existing medical illness and cold environment and vibration.

What control measures can be taken to minimize health effects of DSE workstations on workers?

Which type of injuries can be caused by the incorrect manual handling of loads? Elaborate on each type.

(Remove this Question and insert below question.)

Identify four types of injury that the worker could suffer while carrying out Manual Handling activity. Spinal disc compression Torn ligaments. Joint dislocation. Muscle strains. Hernias. Crushing injury. Fractures, cuts, burns

Q.1 Identify the risk factors that could affect manual handling activities in relation to: (A) The Load (B) The Individual Ans. There is no 100 % safe manual Handling practice. But assessing the contributry factors can reduce the risk from manual handling such as the size,Shape & weight of the load; Rigidity, the contents might move & the load

become unbalanced;The position of the centre of gravity; Difficulty in securing a firm grasp of the load; The sharp edges and Hot cold surfaces etc. (B) The Individual Physical strength & stature Sex of the employee State of health of the employee level of training in manual handling techniques. The persons perceptions (or misperceptions) of the requirements of the task or their own abilities.

What are the risk assessment factors for mechanical handling activities? Explain each briefly.

(replace the above question with below) Outline a procedure for the safe lifting of a load whilst using a crane, ensuring the crane has been properly selected and positioned for the task. By following methods we can carryout safe lifting operation such as ensure the ground is firm and outriggers are fully extended. Check the suitability of the lifting tackle such as its safe working load, free from defects, etc. Only Competent operatives are involved in lifting operations i.e. driver, slinger, signaler During operations plan all critical lifting are risk assessed .The load must be lifted vertically, secure balanced and controlled during the lift by the use of tag lines whenever necessary. Proper communication between all operators /helpers and Lifting, moving and lowering must be performed at the correct rate maintaining proper control at each part of the operation Area must be kept clear of non-essential personnel and barricade the area where lifting is taking place. Release the load and release the tension.