What are the physical signs typically associated with a manual handling injury?

The response highlighting pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility accurately reflects the common physical signs associated with manual handling injuries. These symptoms arise from the physical stresses placed on the body during manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy objects.

Pain is often the first indicator of a musculoskeletal injury, potentially affecting the back, shoulders, or limbs. Stiffness can occur as the muscles and joints respond to excessive strain, leading to immobility in the affected area. Swelling is a physiological response to injury, indicating inflammation from the damage caused to tissues during manual handling. Finally, reduced mobility is a significant consequence; it can stem from pain and stiffness, limiting range of motion and the ability to perform normal tasks.

The other options, while they include valid symptoms, do not specifically correlate with manual handling injuries. Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and headaches could indicate a range of conditions but are not typically linked to musculoskeletal injuries caused by manual handling. Skin irritation, rash, shortness of breath, and fever pertain more to allergic reactions or infections rather than the physical stress associated with manual tasks. Numbness, tingling, cramping, and swelling can occur, primarily in cases of nerve-related injuries