SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Prevent musculoskeletal injuries to self during lifting and carrying activities 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254221  Prevent musculoskeletal injuries to self during lifting and carrying activities 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Occupational Health and Safety 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Preventive Health 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is designed for learners who perform activities such as lifting, carrying, sitting or standing for long periods, especially those involved in ambulance/emergency care, fire fighting, life saving, nursing, home care, auxiliary and ancillary health care, community work, child care work, industrial labour, and sedentary work.

Learners credited with this unit standard, will be able to identify the causes of workplace back and neck injuries, and explain and/or demonstrate methods to prevent such injuries.

Qualifying learners will be capable of:
  • Explaining the anatomy and bio-physical functioning of the back and neck in relation to bending and lifting.
  • Demonstrating correct lifting and carrying techniques.
  • Describing non-manipulative methods for relieving back and neck pain.
  • Explaining and demonstrating methods of preventing back and neck pain. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication at NQF Level 2. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the anatomy and bio-physical functioning of the back and neck in relation to bending and lifting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The general anatomy and bio-physical functioning of the back and neck are described in relation to movement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The normal curvatures of the spinal column are explained in order to recognise abnormalities which could cause chronic pain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The common causes of both acute and chronic back and neck pain are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Causes include but not limited to:
  • Anatomical abnormalities; old injuries; posture; wrong exercise; poor diet; febrile illnesses; stress; ageing.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate correct lifting and carrying techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Correct techniques to prevent back and neck injuries are demonstrated when lifting objects from above, below and at shoulder levels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Correct techniques to prevent back and neck injuries, are demonstrated when moving objects by either pushing or pulling motions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Correct techniques to prevent back and neck injuries when carrying mobile or immobile objects are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to:
  • Packages; infants; children; adults.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe non-manipulative methods for relieving back and neck pain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of consulting a medical practitioner when affected by neck and/or back pain is explained and emphasised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Self-help methods to ease back and/or neck pain when immediate medical intervention is unavoidable are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rest, hot and cold therapy, over-the-counter medication; exercises.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain and demonstrate methods to prevent back and neck pain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Exercises to strengthen the abdominal, lower back and neck muscles are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but not limited to:
  • Stretching, bending, tai chi movements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Back-care methods at work or at home are identified and demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The need for good nutrition is explained and basic daily food requirements are identified. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a candidate against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding ion place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems pertaining to back and neck injuries. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/group/organisation /community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities effectively and responsibly by preventing back and neck injuries. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collate information of methods to prevent back and neck injuries. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and written communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically applied towards back health in the elevant environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This unit standard may be achieved in part, through recognition of prior learning. Evidence may be presented in a variety of forms such as peer reports, mentoring, portfolios of evidence, work performance records.Such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment. Learners who have met the requirements of this unit standard may apply to the relevant ETQA for recognition of prior learning.

    Credit Justification

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Classroom Teaching; 18 hours.
    On-the-job Training (Practical); 6 hours.
    Practice; 2 hours.
    Self-study; 4 Hours.

    Total = 30 hours.

    Credits Achieved: = 3. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64749   National Certificate: Community Health Work  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HW SETA 
    Core  78803   National Certificate: Primary Response in Emergencies  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2013-06-02   
    Core  60249   National Certificate: Primary Response in Emergencies  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2010-06-02  HW SETA 
    Elective  74269   National Certificate: Occupational Health, Safety and Environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-07-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.