Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406:body:0:p9
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406
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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 arms overhead
    * postures that are unbalanced or asymmetrical                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      * bending over a desk or table
    * postures that require extreme joint angles or bending and twisting.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               * using a hand tool that causes the wrist to be bent to the side
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        * kneeling while trowelling concrete or laying carpet
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        * bending the neck or back to the side to see around bulky items pushed on a trolley. (Figure 8)
Vibration There are two common forms of vibration according to contact points between the body and the source:

Whole body vibration occurs when vibration is transmitted through the whole body, usually via a supporting surface, such as a seat or the floor in heavy vehicles or machinery. This may result in lower back pain, degeneration of the lumbar vertebrae and disc herniation.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Examples of whole body vibration include:                                                                           Figure 9
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        * operating mobile plant such as heavy earth moving machinery
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        * driving a vehicle over rough terrain.(Figure 9)
Hand-arm vibration occurs when vibration is transferred through a vibrating tool, steering wheel or controls in heavy machinery to the hand and arm. This can disrupt blood circulation in the hand and forearm and damage nerves and tendons. Localised vibration contributes to 'vibration-induced white finger' and 'carpal tunnel syndrome' through the gripping force needed to hold the vibrating tools (the tighter the grip, the more vibration is absorbed) and the repetitive shock loads of some tools.  Examples of hand-arm vibration include:                                                                             Figure 10-11
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        * using impact wrenches, chainsaws, jackhammers, grinders, drills or vibrating compacting plates (Figure10-11)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        * using needle guns in de-rusting metal.

3. Assessing the Risks
A risk assessment involves examining the characteristics of the hazardous manual task in more detail to assess whether the forces, movements and postures are undertaken in such a way that they give rise to the risk of MSDs.

3.1 When should a risk assessment be conducted?
You should carry out a risk assessment for any manual tasks that you have identified as being hazardous, unless the risk is well-known and you know how to control it. A risk assessment can help you determine:
    * which postures, movements and forces of the task pose a risk
    * where during the task they pose a risk
    * why they are occurring
    * what needs to be fixed.

3.2 How to do a risk assessment for hazardous manual tasks
Identify who should participate in the risk assessment, for example those workers who do the task or their health