Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406:body:0:p8
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 20682–28698

or carrying a heavy object
    * a worker describes as very demanding physically                                                                                                                                          * Lifting, lowering or carrying an object that cannot be positioned close to the body
    * a worker needs help to do because of the effort it requires                                                                                                                              * pushing or pulling an object that is hard to move or stop
    * require a stronger person or two persons to do the task.                                                                                                                                 * restraining a person or animal.(Figure 3)
Examples of high force using the hands and fingers include:                                                                                                                                Figure 4
    * using a finger-grip, a pinch-grip or an open-handed grip to handle a heavy or large load
    * operating hand tools with tight squeeze grips(Figure 4)
gripping small instruments with high force, for example, a dental hygienist cleaning teeth.
Sudden force – jerky or unexpected movements while handling an item or load are particularly hazardous because the body must suddenly adapt to the changing force.                         Examples of sudden force include:                                                                                            Figure 5
Tasks where force is applied suddenly and with speed also generates high force.
                                                                                                                                                                                               * impact recoil of a large nail gun
                                                                                                                                                                                               * throwing or catching objects
                                                                                                                                                                                               * cutting reinforcement steel with large bolt cutters
                                                                                                                                                                                               * carrying an unbalanced or unstable load such as bagged stock feed pellets that suddenly moves (Figure 5)
                                                                                                                                                                                               * handling frightened or resistant animals
                                                                                                                                                                                               * handling patients who suddenly resist or no longer assist during the handling procedure.

Movement

Repetitive movement – using the same parts of the body to repeat similar movements over a period of time.  Examples of repetitive movement include:                                              Figure 6
                                                                                                               * painting
                                                                                                               * lifting goods from a conveyor belt and packing them in a carton
                                                                                                               * typing and other keyboard tasks(Figure 6)
                                                                                                               * repeatedly reaching for and assembling components in electronics manufacturing
                                                                                                               * using a socket and ratchet or spanner to unscrew long bolts.

Posture
An ideal posture is one where the trunk and head are upright and forward facing, the arms are by the side of the body, the forearms are either hanging straight or at right angles to the upper arm, and the hand is in the handshake position.
Postures that are both awkward and sustained are particularly hazardous.

Sustained posture – where part of or the whole body is kept in the same position for a prolonged period.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Examples of sustained posture include:                                                                              Figure 7
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        * supporting plasterboard sheeting while it is nailed into place (Figure 7)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        * continually standing with weight mainly on one leg while operating a power press with foot pedal controls.
Awkward posture –                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Examples of awkward posture include:                                                                                Figure 8
where any part of the body                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              * squatting while servicing plant or a vehicle
is in an uncomfortable or unnatural position, such as:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  * working with