Heading to the SUPER BOWL? You better read this!!

Ergonomic stadium seat needed ..."If you’ve ever been a spectator at a sporting event, I probably don’t have to convince you that bleachers are an ergonomic nightmare. A couple hours of sitting on cold hard metal with absolutely no back support make you go home feeling like you played in the game yourself. As a result, the low back pain associated with sitting on unsupported benches for prolonged periods is sometimes called “bleacher back.”Bleacher design causes most people to hunch over in an unnatural position that is bad for the back. Hunching forward causes the lower back to curve outward into a kyphotic shape. This is generally regarded as an unhealthy posture leading to back pain.Portable stadium seats and cushions are the common remedy for uncomfortable stadium sitting. (Continued via The Ergonomenon) [Ergonomics Resources]

Job injury? Upon return check your job schedule!

January 18, 2008
Injured Employees Working Long Hours Face Job Loss Risks
By Laura Walter
Employees going back to work after being injured on the job face a higher risk of losing their employment if their positions require them to work more than 12 hours a day or 60 hours a week, new research suggests.
Researchers at Ohio State University found those who worked extended hours were 81 percent more likely to be fired and 70 percent more likely to quit than workers returning to conventional, 40-hour-week jobs. The research findings are published in the recent issue of the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation.
Employees with unconventional work schedules, such as working night, evening, rotating, irregular or split shifts, were 53 percent more likely to be fired. In addition, workers with long commutes of two or more hours a day faced a 377 percent greater chance of being fired following a work-related injury or illness compared to injured employees with shorter commutes.
These findings prompted researchers to urge rehabilitation specialists to tailor injured workers’ return-to-work arrangements based on individual work schedules. Currently, specialists tend to focus on preparing employees to be able to perform their specific job tasks, without taking into account how unconventional work schedules can affect workers’ needs.
“What’s lacking in America is an integrated process to get an injured person back to work that takes into account multiple factors,” said lead study author Allard Dembe. “Right now, there are too many silos in the rehabilitation process. A more sophisticated model is needed.”
Neither rehabilitation specialists nor occupational health case employees typically emphasize “work organization,” which includes employment schedules, supervisory training or other factors that influence the structure of jobs or human resource policies. If such factors were taken into consideration, the research suggests, injured workers re-entering irregular work schedules might be better prepared and be less likely to lose their jobs.
“Present solutions are one- or two-dimensional, and do not take into account the employment schedule,” Dembe said. “Any rehabilitation focusing on the return to work should include this whole picture to facilitate an effective result. We need to expand the thinking about what to do for a successful return to work.”
Dembe and other researchers studied survey data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, an analysis sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and administered by the Center for Human Resource Research at Ohio State University. The data included 110,236 job and health records, which yielded a pool of 5,313 reported work-related injuries and illnesses between 1988 and 2000.

Pro-Line New Product offering--Press Release

Press Release

2007 Pro-Line Offers Complete Line of Packaging Workbenches Modular workstations with all the features needed for packing and shipping applications

Pro-Line, a recognized leader in modular ergonomics, is offering its line of packaging workbenches (Model PB), ideally suited for every packing, shipping and mailroom application.

Pro-Line's advanced, modular packaging workbenches are completely customizable to match each user's current and future needs. These workbenches offer an extensive array of features, and can come fully equipped with a comprehensive range of task-specific accessories.Every Pro-Line PB workbench features a full lower shelf with 18" x 18" dividers, a full width storage shelf with 4" of clearance, a bin holder, a six-outlet power strip, a paper spool holder, an enclosed 12" deep metal shelf with four 4" dividers, and a shop light. Pro-Line Packaging bench accessories can also include a rotary sheaf cutter for cutting all types of thick packing materials, a scale stand with a plastic laminate worksurface, a cardboard storage stand with five steel dividers, and more.Benchtops are available in plastic laminate, solid maple, or with ESD coating.

The PB line has either 750-lb. or 1000-lb. capacity, depending on the model selected. In addition, all Pro-Line components are constructed from rugged 16-gauge steel for maximum weight-bearing capacity and long life.As with all Pro-Line solutions, the PB line of workbenches has been designed to maximize ergonomic comfort and safety. To this end, these packaging benches are easily height adjustable from 30" to 36".

ABOUT PRO-LINEFounded in 1978, Pro-Line has become the recognized leader in ergonomic workbench design. In fact, the company is credited with producing one of the first hand-crank, height-adjustable tables in 1987. Pro-Line has corporate headquarters in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Contact http://www.ergonomicpartners.com/ for product and sales information

Wiitis...You thought you left your repetitive stress injuries at the plant!

The Nintendo Wii is a new video game console that is outselling its competitors both in the U.S and Japan. The success of this console seems to have brought about injuries in addition to the fun expected from this type of technology.

According to Reuters, a family practice doctor named Dr. Julio Bonis recently wrote a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine saying "The variant in this patient can be labeled more specifically as 'Wiitis,'" referring to an injury he acquired after playing a simulated tennis game on the Wii.

The treatment for Wiitis as prescribed by Bonis was one week of ibuprofen and abstinence from the Wii. The treatment has been reported to be successful by Bonis.

Wiitis is the latest form in a series of repetitive strain injuries that have affected gamers since the invention of the video game. In the past, repetitive strain injuries were more common than anything similar to an actual sports injury.

The Wii is unique in that it requires the player to mimic actual movements. This is accomplished by a motion sensing remote used to play many of the Wii games. The remote is held in one hand with a wrist strap provided for safety. The tennis game that affected Bonis requires that the player make similar movements to what they would if they were playing tennis on an actual court.

Unlike real sports where the player may tire more easily because they are required to run around, the Wii sports and games may allow a player to become sore before they realize since they may not tire as quickly standing or sitting in one spot.

Wii Tennis is a part of the sports pack included with many of the consoles. The other games in the pack include baseball, golf, boxing, and bowling. There are also many other non sports-related games for the Wii that require specific repetitive motions to play the game.

New Gorbel product spotlight! Gold Medal Product winner in Plant Engineering's Product of the Year!

You might know about the G-Force Zero Gravity intelligent lifting device, but it is now available in a 660# capacity.


G-Force® Intelligent Lifting Device now in higher capacity

The G-Force® iQ model offers high speed, precision, and smooth motion in a 660 lb. capacity unit.
Patented exclusive combined collector and air swivel prevents damage to coil and/or optional air coil
Float mode option for ultimate load control comes with weight readout functionality
Choice of slide handle or control pendant to best fit your needs
Add on push button air valves and electric switches for control of end tooling
Standard Input / Output capability
Optional expandable auxiliary I/O
Capable of operating two G-Force® units with one handle or one G-Force® from two different handle locations

The G-Force® Q model offers high speed, precision, and smooth motion in a 660 lb. capacity unit.
Patented exclusive combined collector and air swivel prevents damage to coil and/or optional air coil - Float mode option for ultimate load control comes with weight readout functionality
Choice of slide handle or control pendant to best fit your needs
Add on push button air valves and electric switches for control of end tooling

This product is perfect for integration with custom tooling. Sound like something you would like to see? Drop us a note at sales@ergonomicpartners.com

Canadian Workshop to Explore MSD's

Canadian Workshop to Explore Reducing MSDs
January 3, 2008
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety and the Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders have teamed up to co-host Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, and Lowering: A workshop on manual materials handling in the workplace.
The conference will take place March 4, 2008 in Mississauga, Ontario, and provide a forum to discuss manual materials handling from a variety of perspectives and what can be done to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at work. MSDs cause pain in the muscles, tendons, or nerves in the lower back, shoulders, neck, elbows, wrists, or hands, and are the cause of suffering for thousands of workers every year. Lifting, lowering, pushing, and pulling contribute greatly to MSDs whether in manufacturing, construction, trucking, healthcare, forestry, or agriculture. The conference is for managers, supervisors, health and safety committees, and anyone with an interest in reducing MSDs in workers.
The workshop will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Tom Waters, certified professional ergonomist and Senior Safety Engineer at NIOSH, and an array of other experts in the field will speak from research, consultants, injured workers, disability management, labor, management, and regulatory perspectives.
A live webinar will be available during the event. For more information, visit www.ccohs.ca/events/mmh.

Get Ready for Older Workforces

Get Ready for Older Workforces, ASSE Urges

Warnings that retirements of the Baby Boomer generation will hit U.S. employers hard are nothing new. The American Society of Safety Engineers urged a further step Oct. 30, however: Act now, it advised, so the older employees who will work for you are productive and as safe as possible.

"To accommodate the aging workforce and to work to reduce fatality rates, businesses should design a safe workplace for this large aging and valuable workforce," said Joel Haight, Ph.D, P.E., CSP, CIH, an ASSE member and associate professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering at Penn State University. "If not they could be faced with a negative economic impact."

ASSE cited DOL statistics for 2004 that show workers 64 and older had the lowest number of occupational injuries among all age groups, yet the fatality rate for those 55 and older rose by 10 percent. Workers 65 and older had a fatality rate three times higher than the fatality rate for workers ages 25-34, with most of the deaths in the older group resulting from falls, struck-by-object, and workplace homicides, DOL said. Employers can take steps such as improving lighting, eliminating heavy lifts and work from ladders, reducing noise levels, and increasing task rotation, ASSE said.

Part Five--Worksite Analysis--Computer Workstation

Worksite analysis sample checklists for use in your facility.

Today we will present the Computer Workstation analysis. Following are sample checklists that you may wish to use as a guide in developing your own worksite analysis checklists.

These five checklists are included:
Workstation, Task Analysis, Hand Tool Analysis, Material Handling, Computer Workstation.

The checklists are written so that "no" responses indicate potential problem areas that should receive further investigation.

Computer workstation checklist
• Is the chair adjusted to ensure proper posture, such as knees and hips bent at approximately 90 degrees?
• Is the chair adjusted to ensure proper posture, such as feet flat on floor or footrest?
• Is the chair adjusted to ensure proper posture, such as arms comfortably at sides with elbows at 90-degree angle?
• Is the chair adjusted to ensure proper posture, such as straight wrists at keyboard?
• Does the chair adjust easily from the seated position?
• Does the chair have a padded seat that is adjustable for height and angle?
• Does the chair have an adjustable backrest?
• Does the chair provide lumbar support?
• Does the chair have a stable caster base?
• Is there sufficient space for knees and feet?
• Are the height and tilt of the keyboard work surface adjustable?
• Is the keyboard prevented from slipping when in use?
• Is the mouse or pointing device at the same level as the keyboard?
• Does keying require minimal force?
• Is there an adjustable document holder?
• Are arm rests provided where needed?
• Is the screen clean and free of flickering?
• Is the top line of the screen slightly below eye level?
• Does the monitor have brightness and contrast controls?
• Is the monitor 18-30 inches from the worker for viewing?
• Is there sufficient lighting without causing glare?
• Is an anti-glare screen used if necessary?
• Are adequate rest breaks provided for task demands?
• Are high stroke rates avoided by job rotation?
• Are high stroke rates avoided by Self pacing?
• Are high stroke rates avoided by adjusting the job to the skill of the worker?
• Are high stroke rates avoided by adequate rest pauses?
• Are employees trained in proper postures?
• Are employees trained in proper work methods?
• Are employees trained in when and how to adjust their workstations?
• Are employees trained in how to seek assistance with concerns?

Part Four--Worksite Analysis--Material Handling

Worksite analysis sample checklists for use in your facility.

Today we will present the Material handling analysis. Following are sample checklists that you may wish to use as a guide in developing your own worksite analysis checklists.

These five checklists are included:
Workstation, Task Analysis, Hand Tool Analysis, Material Handling, Computer Workstation.

The checklists are written so that "no" responses indicate potential problem areas that should receive further investigation.


Materials handling checklist
· Has excessive weight lifting been reduced?
· Are materials moved over minimum distances?
· Is the distance between the object and the body minimized?
· Are walking surfaces level?
· Are walking surfaces wide enough?
· Are walking surfaces clean and dry?
· Are walking surfaces well lit?
· Are objects easy to grasp?
· Are objects stable?
· Are objects able to be held without slipping?
· Are there handholds on these objects?
· When required, do gloves fit properly?
· Is the proper footwear worn?
· Is there enough room to maneuver?
· Are mechanical aids easily available and used whenever possible?
· Are working surfaces adjustable to the best handling heights?
· Does material handling avoid movements below knuckle height and above shoulder height?
· Does material handling avoid static muscle loading?
· Does material handling avoid sudden movements during handling?
· Does material handling avoid twisting at the waist?
· Does material handling avoid excessive reaching?
· Is help available for heavy or awkward lifts?
· Are high rates of repetition avoided by job rotation?
· Are high rates of repetition avoided by self pacing?
· Are high rates of repetition avoided by sufficient rest pauses?
· Are pushing and pulling forces reduced or eliminated?
· Does the employee have an unobstructed view of the handling task?
· Is there a preventive maintenance program for equipment?
· Are workers trained in correct handling and lifting procedures?

Part Three--Worksite Analysis--Hand Tools

Worksite analysis sample checklists for use in your facility.

Today we will present the Hand Tool analysis.

Following are sample checklists that you may wish to use as a guide in developing your own worksite analysis checklists. These five checklists are included:Workstation, Task Analysis, Hand Tool Analysis, Material Handling, Computer Workstation.

The checklists are written so that "no" responses indicate potential problem areas that should receive further investigation.

Hand tool analysis checklist
· Are tools selected to avoid excessive vibration?
· Are tools selected to avoid excessive force?
· Are tools selected to avoid bending or twisting the wrist?
· Are tools selected to avoid finger pinch grip?
· Are tools selected to avoid problems associated with trigger finger?
· Are tools powered where necessary and feasible?
· Are tools evenly balanced?
· Are heavy tools counterbalanced?
· Does the tool allow adequate visibility of the work?
· Does the tool grip/handle prevent slipping during use?
· Are tools equipped with handles of proper diameter?
· Are tools equipped with handles that do not end in the palm area?
· Are tools equipped with handles of textured non-conductive material?
· Are different handle sizes available to fit a wide range of hand sizes?
· Is the tool handle designed to not dig into the palm of the hand?
· Can the tool be used safely with gloves?
· Can the tool be used by either hand?
· Is there a preventive maintenance program to keep tools operating as designed?
· Have employees been trained in the proper use of tools?
· Have employees been trained when and how to report problems with tools?
· Have employees been trained in proper tool maintenance?

Part 2--Worksite Analysis--lets look at task analysis

Worksite analysis sample checklists for use in your facility.

Today we will present the Task analysis.

Following are sample checklists that you may wish to use as a guide in developing your own worksite analysis checklists.

These five checklists are included:Workstation Task AnalysisHand Tool AnalysisMaterial HandlingComputer Workstation

The checklists are written so that "no" responses indicate potential problem areas that should receive further investigation.


Task analysis checklist
· Does the design of the task reduce or eliminate bending or twisting?
· Does the design of the task reduce or eliminate crouching?
· Does the design of the task reduce or eliminate bending or twisting the wrists?
· Does the design of the task reduce or eliminate extending the arms?
· Does the design of the task reduce or eliminate raising elbows?
· Does the design of the task reduce or eliminate static muscle loading?
· Does the design of the task reduce or eliminate clothes-wringing motions?
· Does the design of the task reduce or eliminate finger pinch grip?
· Are mechanical devices used when necessary?
· Can the task be done with either hand?
· Can the task be done with two hands?
· Are pushing and pulling forces reduced or eliminated?
· Are the required forces acceptable?
· Are the materials able to be held without slipping?
· Are the materials easy to grasp?
· Are the materials free from sharp edges or corners?
· Do containers have good handholds?
· Are jigs, fixtures and vises used where needed?
· If gloves are needed, do they fit properly, and are they made of the properfabric?
· Does the task avoid contact with sharp edges?
· When needed, are push buttons designed properly?
· Does personal protective equipment keep from getting in the way of the task?
· Are high rates of repetitive motion avoided by job rotation?
· Are high rates of repetitive motion avoided by self pacing?
· Are high rates of repetitive motion avoided by sufficient rest pauses?
· Are high rates of repetitive motion avoided by adjusting the job to the skill level of the worker?
· Is the employee trained in proper work practices?
· Is the employee trained in when and how to make adjustments?
· Is the employee trained in signs and symptoms of potential physical problems?

Part 1 Worksite analysis sample checklists

Worksite analysis sample checklists for use in your facility. Today we will present the Workstation analysis

Following are sample checklists that you may wish to use as a guide in developing your own worksite analysis checklists. These five checklists are included:

Workstation

Task Analysis

Hand Tool Analysis

Material Handling

Computer Workstation

The checklists are written so that "no" responses indicate potential problem areas that should receive further investigation.

Workstation checklist


A "no" response indicates potential problem areas that should receive further investigation.
· Does the working space allow for a full range of movement?
· Are mechanical aids and equipment available?
· Is the height of the work surface adjustable?
· Can the work surface be tilted or angled?
· Is the workstation designed to reduce or eliminate bending or twisting at the waist?
· Is the workstation designed to reduce or eliminate reaching above the shoulder?
· Is the workstation designed to reduce or eliminate static muscle loading?
· Is the workstation designed to reduce or eliminate extending the arms?
· Is the workstation designed to reduce or eliminate bending or twisting the wrists?
· Is the workstation designed to reduce or eliminate raised elbows?
· Is the employee able to vary posture?
· Are hands and arms free from pressure from sharp edges on work surfaces?
· Is an armrest provided where needed?
· Is a footrest provided where needed?
· Is the floor surface flat?
· Are cushioned floor mats provided for employees who are required to stand for long periods?
· Is the chair or stool easily adjustable and suited to the task?
· Are all task requirements visible from comfortable positions?
· Is there a preventive maintenance program for mechanical aids, tools, and otherequipment?

Material Handling Industry of America--Free 68 page booklet offering tips for improving ergonomics for materials handlers

MHIA promotes better ergonomics for materials handlers
Free booklet offers tips for easing carrying, lifting and other manual materials handling tasks.
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 1/9/2008

Laborers and material handlers miss more workdays due to injury and illness than do any other workers. According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, this category of workers reports more injury and illness than do nurses, janitors, construction workers or truck drivers.
For this reason, the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) has published a 68-page booklet offering tips for improving ergonomics for materials handlers, and MHIA representatives attended the National Ergonomics Conference in Las Vegas this winter to promote the guidelines.

According to their presentation at the conference, manual materials handling often involves repetitive motion, pushing, pulling, bending, lifting and carrying—and these actions can result in the sprains, strains and back pain that so often cause lost labor hours. Good ergonomic programs, however, can reduce these injuries and improve productivity.

The following are a few of the ergonomic tips offered at the conference and in the MHIA booklet:
Make carrying easier
Slide, push or roll instead of carrying when appropriate.
Alternate carrying tasks with non-carrying tasks.
Wear gloves that fit properly to improve your grip.
Use conveyors, slides or chutes to avoid carrying heavy boxes.
Use a pallet truck to transport heavy loads.
Make lifting easier
Find a co-worker of a similar height to help lift a heavy load.
Store only lightweight or infrequently lifted items on the floor.
Use a lifter to raise or lower the load so that it’s level with the work surface. Then slide the load instead of lifting it.
Use a vacuum lifter to facilitate lifting and maneuvering of heavy objects.
The booklet, “Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling,” is available for free at the MHIA online store.

Kneeling, standing on the job boost arthritis risk

See this intersting article below. Most people assumed this was related but the American Journal of American Medicine confirms. They recomend modifications to work methods to lessen the risk. Anti-Fatigue Matting, lift tables, adjustable height work benches, ergonomic lifts, workstation cranes, custom ergonomic lifts can all help lessen the risks presented below.


NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Men who spend significant amounts of time kneeling on the job are at great risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee, a new study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine confirms.


While several studies have suggested that people working in jobs that require spending time on one's knees, such as floor laying, are prone to knee osteoarthritis, few have been able to quantify the amount of time spent kneeling that actually increases risk, Dr. Alfred Franzblau of The University of Michigan School of Public Health in Ann Arbor and colleagues note.

Franzblau and his team evaluated 1,970 people participating in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for whom knee X-rays were available, limiting their analysis to people who had been on their longest-held job for at least five years.

The researchers had five ergonomics experts rate occupations based on how much time a worker would spend each day sitting, standing, walking or running, carrying or lifting loads greater than 22 pounds, kneeling, or working in a cramped space. This information "allows us to better identify the magnitude of the exposure that contributes to risk," Franzblau told Reuters Health in an interview.

Men in occupations requiring the most kneeling were more than three times as likely as those who spent the least time on their knees to develop knee osteoarthritis, the researchers found. Heavy lifting also nearly tripled knee osteoarthritis risk for men. For women, spending more time standing during the workday increased the risk of knee osteoarthritis.

Based on these findings, the researchers estimate that 21 percent of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis cases in men are due to working in jobs that require kneeling for more than 14 percent of the workday. Thirty-one percent of men in the study had jobs that met this description, including nursery or farm work or construction trades.

While just 5 percent of women in the study had jobs that required kneeling, 35 percent had jobs that required them to stand for more than 30 percent of their work day, in activities such as operating machines or working in sales, the researchers note. This means about 19 percent of cases of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis in women are due to working in such jobs.

"Our results indicate that modifications to work methods are needed to reduce occupational risk of knee osteoarthritis," Franzblau and his colleagues conclude.

SOURCE: American Journal of Industrial Medicine, January 2008.

Need a Job Assessement? Check this out.

The BIO-ERGONOMICS DISABILITY MANAGEMENT MODEL
Vic Zuccarello, OTR/L, C.E.E.S., ABDA

The BIO-ERGONOMICS Model:

1. Accurately identify the level at which the candidate can perform work activities and the extent of the candidate’s physical impairment.
2. Assess the extent to which the perception of pain and disability may be controlling the candidate’s life circumstances and negatively affecting their participation in activities.
3. Accurately identify job hazards/exposures so the appropriate treatment pathway may be implemented preventing the onset of chronic pain, disability, and reoccurrence of injury.

The Functional Capacity Evaluation:
• Over 60 research references.
• Material Handling and Non-Material Handling tests with high predictive validity.
• Performance criteria to test for consistency/quality of effort, and non-organic signs.
• Comprehensive reports, reader-friendly format, and digital photography

The Ergonomic Job Analysis and Causal Relations Analysis:
• Determination of Essential Job Functions and Task Analysis.
• Use of standardized Ergonomic Assessment tools to identify exposures and causation.
• Recommendation of abatement strategies to decrease exposures.
• Digital photography and video.
• Comprehensive reports, reader-friendly format.

The Post-Offer Employment and Fit-For-Duty Evaluation
• Determination of Essential Job Functions and Task Analysis.
• ADA-compliant employment test for new-hires and employees returning to work.


To call BIO-ERGONOMICS: 314-808-3746, E-mail: vzbioergonomics@yahoo.com

Ergonomics in the News

Safety Management A Guide For Facility Managers is Designed as an Easy to Access Ready Guide to the World of Safety Planning and ComplianceFriday January 4, 5:46 am ET
DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Safety Management: A Guide for Facility Managers” to their offering.

Joseph Gustins Safety Management is designed as an easy-to-access, ready guide to the world of safety planning and compliance, OSHA inspections, workplace violence, ergonomics, recovery from downtime losses, the intricacies of ADA, and more. Emphasis is placed on maximizing productivity and standards compliance, while minimizing injuries, liabilities and downtime.

The new second edition provides updated statistics, a cross comparison of "old" vs. "new" OSHA standards, an update on employer compliance requirements to ADA with references to various court decisions, discussion of new ergonomics standards, explanation of recent revisions to OSHA workplace inspection/investigation procedures and record keeping rules, and new material on violence in the workplace which includes checklists, case studies and recommendations.
Contents:
1 - Understanding Safety as a Workplace Issue
2 - Rights & Responsibilities
3 - The Whistleblower Act
4 - Safety Regulations & Facility Liability
5 - The Americans with Disabilities Act
6 - Assessing & Managing Risk
7 - Violence in the Workplace
8 - The Safety, Emergency Response & Hazard Communication Planning Program
9 - Preparing for the OSHA Inspection
10 - Keeping Accurate Records
11 - Change Management
For more information visit

Contact:Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
Fax: +353 1 4100 980
Source: Research and Markets Ltd.

WMSD's, Work Space Design and Hand Tools

How can work space design help prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) resulting from the improper use of hand tools?

Tool selection is of critical importance for user safety, comfort and health. However even the best tool on the market will not transform a poorly designed workstation into a safe and comfortable one for the operator.

Many work space components such as work surfaces, seats, flooring, tools, equipment, environmental conditions, etc., determine whether or not the job is safe and healthy. If the workplace design does not meet your physical needs, it can create risk factors for discomfort, aches and pains, fatigue, and eventually, WMSDs. Special care needs to be taken to select the correct ergonomic workspace enhancers such anti-fatigue matting, lift tables, lift assists, adjustable workbenches to name a few.

In a well-designed workplace, where you have the opportunity to choose from a variety of well-balanced working positions and to change between them frequently, work can be carried out safely and injury-free.

Hand Tools and WMSD'S

What factors of working with hand tools cause discomfort, fatigue and, eventually, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)?

Several work factors can affect the health and performance of hand tool users. Major ones include:

static load on arms and upper body muscles,
awkward working positions and body postures,
tissue compression, and
vibration.