Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406:body:0:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 40825–43526

a risk, even if it is only done occasionally or for short periods. The longer and more often force is applied and the higher the force, the greater the risk.
The risk in tasks involving high force is related to:
    * the intensity of the force needed - forceful muscular exertions place high stress on the muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments and vertebral discs.
    * the speed involved - fast movements (particularly if repeated) can injure muscles, tendons and ligaments. The rapid or sudden speed changes caused by sudden or unexpected movements are high risk.
    * whether the force is jerky or sudden - forces suddenly applied or stopped can overload the muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments and vertebral discs. This can occur when throwing or catching loads, or when the load or item worked on moves unexpectedly (for example, when pulling up a fence post that suddenly comes free, or assisting and holding a walking patient who suddenly falls).
High and sudden forces are commonly associated with the handling of live persons or animals and loads that are unstable, unbalanced or difficult to hold.

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Question 4: Does the task involve vibration?

Prolonged exposure to whole-body or hand-arm vibration increases the risk of MSDs and other health problems. The degree of risk increases as the duration of exposure increases and when the amplitude of vibration is high.
Some examples of sources of vibration are:
    * driving, particularly on rough roads
    * frequent or prolonged use of hand powered tools
    * use of machines or tools where the manufacturer's handbook warns of vibration
    * workers being jolted or continuously shaken
    * use of a vehicle or tool not suitable for the environment or task.

Question 5: Is there a risk?

The task involves a risk of MSD if you have answered 'yes' to either:

    * Question 1 and Question 2  The task involves repetitive or sustained postures, movements or forces, and it involves long duration.
    * Question 3                 The task involves high force or sudden force.
    * Question 4                 The task involves vibration

A task may involve more than one risk factor. Where a number of risk factors are present and interact within a task, the risk of MSD increases significantly.

3.4 What are the sources of the risk?
When conducting the assessment, think about the sources of any risks that are present in the task. These will be the things that you may be able to change to eliminate or reduce the risk of MSD.   For example, poor postures and movements may be due to the layout of the workplace, high forces may be due to the loads being handled, and the frequency and duration of the task may be due