Section 23-1. Risk assessment in connection with planning, design and execution of manual work
a. The nature of the object Manual handling can especially cause harm to health if the object: - is too heavy or too large, - is unmanageable or difficult to hold on to, - is unsteady or its content may be displaced, - is placed so that it needs to be kept at a distance from the body or handled by bending or twisting the body, or - due to its exterior shape or texture, can inflict injuries on the employee, especially in the event of a collision.
b. Physical strain A physical strain can especially cause harm to health if it: - is excessive, - involves having to twist the body, - can cause sudden movement of heavy objects, or - is imposed with the body in an unsteady position.
c. Layout of the working environment The layout of the working environment can cause an increased risk of harm to health if: - there is insufficient room to perform the work, - the floor is uneven and can cause tripping, or is slippery concerning the employees’ footwear, - objects must be handled at different heights due to differences in the level of the floor or work surface, - the floor or support point is unstable, - the workplace or working environment does not allow the employee to handle the object manually at a safe height or from an appropriate working position, or - the temperature, humidity or ventilation is inappropriate.
d. The work task The work task can especially cause harm to health if it involves one or more of the following: - too frequent, repetitive and prolonged work operations that put particular strain on the muscular-skeletal system. Static work shall be reduced as far as possible, - lifting, lowering or carrying over too great distances, - not enough time for necessary rest or restitution, or - a work pace determined by a process that the employee cannot adjust.