Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Gorbel Easy Arm now in 330# capacity
New Features And Higher Capacities Available On The Easy Arm™.
Why did we feel the need to expand the line?
- End Users were frequently asking for more capacity
- Our new Q/iQ G-Force“ technology allowed us to add iQ features to the Easy Arm™ for the first time.
What makes this design a homerun?
- The arm has been ergonomically optimized to allow the operator to work quickly and smoothly without fighting the arm's movement.
- A new leveling feature has been added to ensure smooth movement of the secondary arm.
- This design uses the new Q/iQ G-Force® technology providing a wealth of additional new features.
- Available spans to 14' and Heights Under Hook to 11'
Monday, December 15, 2008
2009 Indiana Safety and Health Conference & Expo
Conference Date: February 23-25, 2009 Conference Registration Scholarships Available through INSafe! Click here for application. Who Should Attend:
Here’s what people had to say about the 2008 Indiana Safety & Health Expo and Conference: “I really enjoyed the conference. I can’t wait to get back to work and put some of the things I’ve learned to practice.” – Craig Koenig, Koch Development (Holiday World) “I had a great time meeting other peers and sharing ideas! I gained beneficial knowledge I can take back to my employees. And the participating vendors were great assets regarding the latest products and technology available to improve safety for each of our industries.” – Tim Roberts, Farbest Foods, Inc. “This conference was very good, and I would attend again. It provided a lot of information I can use in daily work functions.” – Cristine McKinley, Caterpillar “I loved the expo. There was a huge variety of vendors. I learned a lot in the sessions.” – Dawn Query, Crown Equipment “I’m very pleased with the top notch speakers and quality of safety information. I’m pleased with the information to take back to our company and share with our employees.” – Karmen L. Glaspy, Corporate Safety and Training Manager, Syndicate Sales, Inc. “The seminars were among the best I had ever seen or sat through!” – Debbie Peetz, Acuity Brands Lighting “This conference is very informative and a great opportunity to meet with other safety professionals.” – Wayne Orcutt, INDOT Conference Organizing Committee:
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Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Would you like to reduce overhead costs?
In these economic times we are all looking for ways to cut our costs. Some can be done for little or no money, but just prevention.
Decrease overhead costs by reducing workplace injuries
These injuries account for approximately $20 billion in workers’ compensation costs per year.
In addition to the direct costs associated with workers’ compensation, there are also indirect costs (decreased productivity, lost work days, training new employees) that also affect the bottom line. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that musculoskeletal disorders (back pain, neck pain, headaches) are costing American companies an estimated $61.2 billion (direct and indirect costs) each year.
These figures are staggering and should be taken seriously by employers. Workers’ safety should be a top concern for all businesses no matter what the size of the company. Focusing on reducing injuries and providing a safe working environment will reduce costs and improve employee morale.
When designing a worker safety program, the first step to take is to consider the risk factors that lead to injury.
There are two types of risk factors involved: work-related and personal.
Work-related risk factors include poor posture at workstations, repetitive motions, lifting excessive loads and exposure to extreme temperatures. Personal risk factors include smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, stress, obesity, lack of sleep/fatigue and muscular imbalances in the body. The more factors present, the more likely the worker will become injured.
The next step in designing a worker safety program is to try to reduce as many of these risk factors as possible.
Work-related risk factors can be addressed directly by the employer, whereas personal risk factors are tougher for the employer to address, but can be addressed creatively. For example, employers could offer wellness programs to their employees.
The wellness programs could consist of the employer paying a portion or all of a gym membership (to reduce inactivity and obesity), offering workshops on how to eat healthy and how to prepare healthy meals (improve nutrition and reduce obesity), offering smoking cessation programs (reduce smoking), providing health insurance that covers chiropractic care (reduce stress and muscular imbalances), and encouraging the employees to take mini-breaks throughout the day (to reduce stress and fatigue). A mini-break is a two to four minute break designed to give the employee a chance to relax his/her muscles and perform a few stretches. These mini-breaks should be taken once every hour.
A study conducted by National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety concluded that “short, strategically spaced rest breaks can reduce eyestrain and musculoskeletal disorders without decreasing productivity.”
Next, the employer should address the work-related risk factors that he/she has direct control over.
Injuries can be reduced by providing an ergonomically-designed workstation. The goal of ergonomics is to fit the job or workstation to the employee. The purpose of this article is not to discuss all the details of setting up an ergonomically-designed workstation, although this next section will discuss some of the basics.
The most important step when designing an ergonomic workstation is to consider the type of job being performed. For a worker who sits all day, it is important to make the workstation adjustable to his/her needs. Chairs should be able to adjust up or down and recline, monitors should be able to tilt and be raised or lowered, and footrests should be provided for shorter employees. If the employee is required to use the phone frequently throughout the day, headsets should be provided to reduce stress on the neck and shoulders. Lumbar support cushions should be provided for the chairs in order to reduce the amount of stress placed on the low back. The use of chairs that have the low back area cut out should be discouraged since they provide no low back support. Items that need to be used frequently should be placed closer to the employee.
For a worker who stands or lifts all day, it is important to consider his/her technique and posture. Workers should be taught to bend at the knees when lifting, keep the object close to his/her body, and avoid twisting while carrying the object. Lumbar support belts should be worn when lifting heavy loads, but should not be worn all day long to avoid muscle-reliance on the belt. Workstations that a worker stands at for prolonged periods should be at an ideal height (i.e. waist level) for the worker in order to reduce stress on the low back and shoulders. If floors are concrete, rubber mats should be provided to stand on to reduce stress on the lower back, hips, knees and feet.
The final consideration of a worker safety program is a well- designed stretching routine.
Stretching improves flexibility, reduces muscular tension, and increases blood flow throughout the body. The stretches should be designed to counteract the posture or activity performed for the majority of the day. For example, a worker who bends over a conveyer belt all day should be encouraged to perform stretches that extend his back (bending backward). Workers who slouch at a computer all day should be encouraged to perform stretches that squeeze the shoulder blades and open up the chest. For a comprehensive stretching program, an employer could consult with a professional who has a background in exercise or rehabilitation.
In these tough economic times, most, if not all, companies are looking for ways to cut costs and reduce overhead. Rather than cutting jobs, employers should consider reducing injuries. A few simple changes could make a huge difference in a company’s bottom line.
DR. JARRETT KAMINSKY is the owner of Professional Chiropractic Associates in Scranton. He graduated from Palmer College with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science. He is certified through Southern California University of the Health Sciences in Functional Medicine.
Contact the writer: dr.kaminsky@live.com
Certification for enclosed track workstation cranes and monorials
New Monorail and Hoist Certification
Programs
The Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA) and the Hoist Manufacturer's Institute (HMI) recently introduced the MMA-Certified Program for enclosed track workstation cranes, monorails and patented track systems and the HMI-Certified Program for manual hoists, manual and powered trolleys, powered chain hoists, and powered wire rope hoists.
The MMA-Certified Program was developed by the MMA to instill confidence in product specifiers and end users through evidence that the MMA-Certified products meet the American National Standards (ANSI) MH27.1 or MH27.2 Specifications, and that the products are properly supported in the market.
The HMI-Certified Program was developed by the HMI to instill confidence in product specifiers and end users through evidence that the HMI-Certified products meet one or more recognized standards, and that the products are properly supported in the market.
The certification consists of two sections. The first section consists of a review by a registered professional engineer to determine that the product design meets or exceeds the design requirements of one or more recognized standards by completing the Declaration of Conformity – Technical. Upon affirmation of this, the Declaration of Conformity - Technical is stamped by the registered professional engineer. The second section addresses service and support. A Declaration of Conformity – Service and Support is signed by the company’s CEO. This Declaration of Conformity – Service and Support affirms that the company provides:
1. Literature and manuals that address safety, installation, maintenance, warranty, and replacement parts.
2. Product training and technical support.
3. Availability of spare parts for the “life cycle” of the product.
4. Qualified service and repair capability.
5. Proof of adequate liability insurance.
The Monorail Manufacturers Association administers MMA-Certified and only those products that have met the technical, support and service requirements can display the MMA-Certified logo. Companies having earned the MMA-Certified status for their products will display the MMA-Certified logo on their products, literature and brochures.
The Hoist Manufacturer's Institute HMI-Certified allows that only those products that have met the technical, support and service requirements can display the HMI-Certified logo. Companies having earned the HMI-Certified status for their products will display the HMI-Certified logo on their products, literature and brochures.
For more information on these certification programs, visit www.MMAcertified.org and www.HMIcertified.org.
If you would like more information about the standards or on workstation enclosed track systems please contact us at sales@ergonomicpartners.com
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Humantech's Find It Fix It winner
For the second year in a row, first place was awarded to Gerdau Ameristeel’s Charlotte, N.C., Facility. This year’s winning improvement focused on the facility’s Reline Ladle/Brick Chute device. Before the fix, Gerdau’s operator manually lowered and stacked bricks to reline the mill’s ladles, requiring 24 labor-hours of bending, twisting and heavy lifting. After no commercial improvement was found, an internal team designed and built a safe, comfortable and efficient brick chute. The improvement saved 12 labor-hours a week (624 labor-hours per year) and has reduced ergonomic injuries and safety issues.
“The device is saving backs, shoulders and time spent on this job,” says Matt Moore, corporate safety director. “The device will not only benefit our company for many years to come, it also holds promise for many others in the steel industry.”
Gerdau Ameristeel has a patent pending on the device.
“It is with great joy and pride that I congratulate our Charlotte organization on this accomplishment,” said Mario Longhi, president and CEO, Gerdau Ameristeel. “The benefits from the improvement are unquestionable.”
Honorable mentions were given to Veyance Technologies for its Extrusion/Mechanical Winch improvement and Genie Industries, Building #7, for its development of an auto cable cutter. The top finalists included Alcoa Fastening Systems; Delta Faucet Company; Genie Industries – Building #6; The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company’s Lawton, Okla., and Luxembourg facilities; John Deere Des Moines Works; Terex Load King Trailers; and Trane Commercial Systems.
The 2009 Find It – Fix It Challenge is slated to kick off in early spring. For additional information about the winners of the 2008 Find It – Fix It Challenge or the 2009 kickoff, visit http://www.humantech.com/aboutus/findfix/.
About Humantech
For nearly 30 years, global companies have relied on Humantech for workplace improvements. By combining the science of ergonomics and our unique 30-Inch View – where people, work and environment intersect – the company delivers practical solutions that impact safety, quality and productivity.
Erogobamanomics? Read on..........
Ergonomic Milestones by Austin Weber December 1, 2008
Industrial ergonomics is not a new subject. In fact, it has been studied for more than 100 years.
Here’s a brief look at significant milestones:1713Physician Bernardino Ramazinni, the “father of occupational ergonomics,” writes about work-related complaints that he observes among cobblers and tailors in Padua, Italy.1857
The term “ergonomics” is first used by Wojciech Jastrzebowski, a Polish scientist.1911
Frederick W. Taylor publishes Scientific Management. The book summarizes his research on time and motion studies in steel mills and other industrial settings. 1917
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth publish Applied Motion Study. The book explains how hand and arm patterns can be studied to change work habits and eliminate useless steps. 1926
George Elton Mayo begins studying the assembly of telephone relays at Western Electric’s Hawthorne Works in Cicero, IL. The landmark human behavior research examines how fatigue, monotony and supervision affect productivity.1943
World War II prompts interest in human-machine interaction. Design concepts such as fitting the machine to the size of the operator and using logical control buttons evolve.1949
Hywel Murrell, a British scientist in charge of the Royal Navy’s motion study unit begins to popularize the term “ergonomics.”The Ergonomics Research Society is founded in England.1952
Hywel Murrell creates the world’s first industrial ergonomics department at Tube Investment Ltd.1953
The German Society for Work Science is founded.1958
The first ergonomics film, “Fitting the Job to the Worker,” is produced by the British Productivity Council.1959
An international conference held in Zurich, Switzerland, focuses on the application of ergonomics in industry.1970
ASSEMBLY magazine first reports on ergonomics in a short article about the Magnus Organ Corp. (Linden, NJ). The company had recently begun using “ergonomic-designed hand tools” to assemble its products after several years of experimentation by production engineers and an anatomical professor from Sweden. “The professor determined that the middle finger, which is strongest, should operate the trigger,” the article points out. “The tool that ultimately evolved was much lighter than any comparable tool that had preceded it, incorporated a noise silencer, and was designed to hold in the heaviest torque ranges.”Congress passes the Occupational Safety and Health Act.1971
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes its headquarters in Washington, DC.1972
ASSEMBLY magazine begins publishing articles that address ergonomics, such as “Design the Assembly Workplace to Today’s Performance Potential.”1974
Volvo opens a new assembly plant in Kalmar, Sweden. The star-shaped building features an ergonomic production system. Operators ride down the assembly line on automated guided vehicles that can be tilted 90 degrees.1979
The first ergonomist joins OSHA.1981
OSHA begins discussing ergonomic issues with labor groups, trade associations and professional organizations.The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) publishes the Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting.1983
Eastman Kodak Co. publishes Ergonomic Design for People at Work.The OSHA Training Institute offers its first course on ergonomics.1984
The growing popularity of personal computers prompts widespread interest in ergonomic issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome and lumbar back support.1987
OSHA cites Chrysler Corp. assembly plants in Belvidere, IL; Newark, DE; St. Louis; and Toledo, OH, for ergonomic hazards.1989
After two years of negotiations with OSHA and the UAW, Chrysler begins to implement the first comprehensive ergonomics agreement in the U.S. auto industry. A pilot study begins at Chrysler’s Belvidere assembly plant to address cumulative trauma disorder hazards. It involves engineering controls to reduce or eliminate job-related stressors such as force, position, repetition and vibration.1990
Ford Motor Co., OSHA and the UAW sign an agreement that requires Ford to reduce ergonomic hazards in 96 percent of its plants through a model ergonomics program.General Motors Corp. (GM), OSHA and the UAW sign an agreement that brings ergonomic programs to 138 GM plants and more than 300,000 employees.GM opens a new assembly plant in Spring Hill, TN, that features skillet conveyors. They allow operators to raise or lower cars to the position that is most comfortable and convenient for them to work on. The plant also features electric power tools that minimize torque reaction on operators.1991
OSHA publishes Ergonomics: The Study of Work as part of a nationwide educational outreach program to raise awareness of cumulative trauma disorders.1994
OSHA begins working on a controversial ergonomics standard.1997
OSHA launches an ergonomics page on its Web site.1999
Manufacturers such as Boeing, Caterpillar, Ford, General Motors and John Deere begin using digital simulation tools to study how assemblers interact with various tools and parts. By using virtual people, stresses and strains can be calculated to determine the overall impact of assembly line design with respect to human factors.2000
OSHA issues an Ergonomics Program Standard.The Washington Department of Labor and Industries issues an ergonomics standard. It requires employers to evaluate jobs to identify potential ergonomic risks, such as awkward, heavy lifting and highly repetitive motion.2001
The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S Senate repeal the ergonomics rule. President George W. Bush also repeals the ergonomics rule.The National Safety Council begins to administer the Z365 ergonomics standard. It is intended as a guide for manufacturers to “voluntarily keep workers safe from work-related musculoskeletal disorders.”2002
A landmark U.S. Supreme Court case, Toyota vs. Williams, is the first major ruling that involves carpal tunnel injuries. The court rules that a former assembly line worker with carpal tunnel syndrome is not entitled to special treatment on the job. Ella Williams had sued Toyota Motor Manufacturing North American Inc. under the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. But, the justices ruled unanimously that Toyota’s Erlanger, KY, plant did not have to tailor a job to suit the worker’s wrist, arm and shoulder problems.OSHA announces a Comprehensive Plan on Ergonomics.2003
Lean manufacturing initiatives begin to take effect in many companies. Ergonomics becomes less of a standalone discipline and more of a lean manufacturing initiative, because many ergonomic principles are consistent with the goals of lean manufacturing, such as waste reduction and simplified movement. Lean elements, such as cellular production, 5S and visual controls, all address ergonomic issues. Many manufacturers install flexible, modular conveyors and workstations that can be easily reconfigured.2004
Kenworth Truck Co.’s Renton, WA, facility receives the 1st annual Assembly Plant of the Year award from ASSEMBLY magazine. Among other factors, the plant is cited for taking a proactive approach to ergonomics. Assemblers use a wide variety of fixtures, tools and material-handling devices to eliminate fatigue and reduce the threat of injury.2008
ASSEMBLY magazine coins the term "ergobamanomics" as it speculates on how president-elect Barack Obama’s new administration will address ergonomic issues.
We could all use a lift once in a while--check out what Honda engineering has come up with!

This is really cool. Think of all the people who work all day on their legs and could use some type of relief so they can perform their job better.
Ergonomics: Honda Innovates
by Austin Weber
December 1, 2008
This motorized device reduces the load on assemblers’ leg muscles and joints.
Assemblers at the Honda Motor Co. (Tokyo) plant in Sayama, Japan, are using a new contraption to eliminate the risk of repetitive-stress-related injuries. The walking assist device helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on an individual's legs while walking, going up and down stairs, or working in a semicrouching position. The Sayama plant builds a variety of Honda vehicles, such as the Accord sedan and the Odyssey minivan.
The 6.5 kilogram device is designed for people who are capable of walking and maneuvering on their own, but who can benefit from additional leg and body support while performing assembly tasks. It reduces the load on leg muscles and joints (in the hip, knees and ankles) by supporting a portion of the person’s bodyweight.
The ergonomic tool, which operates for 2 hours at a time with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, has a simple structure consisting of seat, frame and shoes. Each leg has a motor.
An operator puts on the device by wearing a special pair of shoes and sitting on a narrow seat that resembles a unicycle. A mechanism directs the assisting force toward the user’s center of gravity. The ability to control the assist force in concert with the movement of the legs make it possible for the device to provide natural assistance in various postures and motions.
Honda engineers began working on the walking assist device 10 years ago. The R&D effort that created the ASIMO humanoid robot, including the study of human walking, provided them with insight that was used to develop the ergonomic tool.
During their research, the engineers developed a mechanism where the seat and frame follow the movement of the body and legs. Assisting force is directed toward the end user’s center of gravity, just as with human legs, which enables the device to provide assistance in various movements and postures.
The ergonomic tool supports a portion of an end user’s bodyweight by lifting the seat as the frame between the shoe and seat bends and extends, just like knees, with the force from the motor. As a result, the load on leg muscles and joints is reduced.
Natural walking is achieved by changing the amount of assisting force applied to the right and left legs through the control of two motors based on the information obtained though sensors embedded in the shoes of the device.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Ergonomic Terms
Glossary of Ergonomic Terms
by Austin Weber
December 1, 2008
ARTICLE TOOLS
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Accommodation: any modification or adjustment to a work environment that enables an operator to perform essential job functions.
Administrative controls: procedures and methods, set up by the employer, that significantly reduce exposure to risk factors by altering the way in which work is performed. Examples include job rotation and adjustment of work pace.
Anthropometry: the science of studying human body dimensions. It is used to design ergonomic standards, assembly procedures and workstations. The goal of anthropometry is to minimize design incompatibility and maximize human performance.
Awkward posture: deviation from the ideal working posture of elbows at the side of the torso, with the wrists neutral. It is associated with an increased risk for injury. Awkward postures typically include reaching behind, twisting, forward or backward bending, pinching and squatting.
Biomechanics: a field of study that uses the laws of physics and engineering concepts to describe the motions of body parts and the forces acting upon them during normal daily activities.
Boundary values: a guideline used to design for the 5th to 95th percentile, which means designing for about 90 percent of a given population. The range of sizes dictates the range of flexibility necessary for new workstations, material handling equipment or assembly tools in order to accommodate the full range of employees. Usually, boundary values are obtained from large existing databases.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: a wrist disorder often associated with repetitive hand work. Symptoms include burning, itching, prickling or tingling feelings in the wrist or first three fingers and thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more prevalent in women than in men. It is one example of a cumulative trauma disorder.
Chronobiology: the science of investigating and objectively quantifying phenomena and mechanisms of the biologic time structure, such as circadian rhythms. It is a new and rapidly developing specialty.
Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD): premature wear and tear damage to specific body structures. CTD injuries are mostly caused by low intensity forces applied over a long period of time, with motions repeated over and over concentrated on specific muscles and joints. Common examples of CTD include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. Cumulative trauma disorder is also called “repetitive motion injury.”
DeQuervain’s disease: an inflammation of the tendon sheath of the thumb attributed to excessive friction between two thumb tendons and their common sheath. It is usually caused by twisting and forceful gripping motions with the hands. The disorder is named after a French doctor who first described it.
Duration: the length of exposure to a risk factor. It can be measured as the minutes or hours per day that an operator is exposed to a risk. Typically, the greater the duration of exposure to a risk factor, the greater the degree of risk.
Engineering controls: physical changes to a job that reduce musculoskeletal disorders. Examples of engineering controls include changing or redesigning workstations, tools, equipment or processes.
Ergonomics: the scientific study of human work. It is derived from the Greek words ergon (work) and nomos (laws). Ergonomics considers the physical and mental capabilities and limits of the worker as he or she interacts with tools, equipment, work methods, tasks and the working environment.
Ergonomist: an individual who analyzes work environments and recommends administrative, engineering and work practice controls. Ergonomists attempt to remove barriers to quality, productivity and safe human performance by fitting products, tasks and environments to people.
Exposure: a concept used to describe the particular risk factor experienced by a worker, with a profile of modifying factors, such as intensity, time characteristics and duration.
Fatigue: a condition that results when the human body cannot provide enough energy for the muscles to perform a task. There is a reduction in the ability to exert force in response to voluntary effort.
Force: the amount of muscular effort required to perform a task. Generally, the greater the force, the greater the degree of risk. High force has been associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders at the shoulder, neck, forearm, wrist, hand and lower back.
Frequency: the number of cycles occurring per time unit.
Global boundaries: the working population used to generate boundary values. If global boundaries are not considered, data can easily be misrepresented. For instance, a 95th percentile male at an auto parts assembly plant in Michigan will be different in height and arm length from individuals working at similar plants in China and Mexico.
Human factors: a branch of ergonomics that focuses on cognitive performance of humans.
Job rotation: a practice in which operators are rotated through several different assembly tasks during a shift. While two or more tasks may require repetitive motion, a different group of muscles or tendons will be worked. Job rotation is a common type of work practice control. But, it is often misused--workers get rotated into similar jobs, and so rotation has no effect.
Kinesiology: a field of study that focuses on the principles of mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement.
Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD): an injury or illness of soft tissues of the upper extremity (fingers through upper arm), shoulders and neck, low back and lower extremity (hips through toes). It is primarily caused or exacerbated by workplace risk factors, such as sustained and repeated exertions or awkward postures and manipulations. Included are disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal disks. Medical conditions generally develop gradually over a period of time and do not typically result from a single instantaneous event. Injuries arising from slips, trips, falls and similar accidents are not considered to be a MSD.
Neutral posture: a comfortable working posture that reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The joints are naturally aligned with elbows at the side of the body and wrists straight. The more a joint deviates from neutral posture, the greater the risk of injury.
95th percentile: a term commonly used to determine ergonomic boundary values. It means that the dimensions of an individual are greater than 95 percent of the male population, and 100 percent of the female population, since women are smaller than men as a population. At the 95th percentile, five out of every 100 individuals exceed the target value. Special accommodations may be required for these particularly short or tall individuals.
Optimal work zone: an area in front of the body defined by keeping the back straight, the shoulders neutral and the hands between hand rest and elbow height.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): special devices that operators wear to provide a protective barrier between the employee and a MSD hazard. Examples include vibration-reduction gloves, wrist braces and back support belts.
Raynaud’s syndrome: a medical condition where blood vessels of the hand are damaged from repeated exposure to vibration over a long period of time. The skin and muscles do not get the necessary oxygen from the blood and eventually die. Symptoms include intermittent numbness and tingling in the fingers; pale, ashen and cold skin; and eventual loss of sensation and control in the hands and fingers. Raynaud’s syndrome is also called “white finger.”
Reaction torque: the force created when a threaded fastener forms a solid joint during the run-down phase.
Recovery time: the length of rest between exertions. Inadequate rest periods between exertions can decrease performance. As the duration of the uninterrupted work increases, so does the amount of recovery time needed. Short work pauses can reduce discomfort.
Repetition: the number of similar exertions performed during a task. Repetition is only one risk factor and must be evaluated in terms of other factors such as force, posture, cold and vibration.
Repetitive motion injury: see “cumulative trauma disorder.”
Repetitiveness: performing the same motions repeatedly. The severity of risk depends on the frequency of repetition, speed of the movement or action, the number of muscle groups involved and the required force.
Risk factors: an aspect of a job that increases an operator’s chance of getting a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. There are several basic risk factors, including force, posture, repetition and vibration.
Segmental vibration: vibration applied to the hands and arms through a tool or piece of equipment. This can cause a reduction in blood flow to the hands and fingers. It can also interfere with sensory receptor feedback, leading to increased handgrip force to hold the tool. A strong association has been reported between carpal tunnel syndrome and segmental vibration.
Strain: an injury to a muscle or tendon.
Tendinitis: a painful inflammation or swelling that occurs when a muscle or tendon is repeatedly tensed from overuse or unaccustomed use. The elbow, shoulder and wrist are common locations for this injury. Tendinitis is one example of a cumulative trauma disorder.
Threshold limit value (TLV): an occupational exposure value to which nearly all workers can be exposed day after day for a working lifetime without ill effect.
Trigger finger: a tendon disorder that occurs when there is a groove in the flexing tendon of the finger. If the tendon becomes locked in the sheath, attempts to move the finger cause snapping and jerking movements. Trigger finger is usually associated with tools that have handles with hard or sharp edges.
Vibration: oscillation or periodic motion of a rigid or elastic body from equilibrium. Electric and pneumatic tools, such as screwdrivers, generate vibration that can cause injury over time.
White finger: see “Raynaud’s syndrome.”
Work practice controls: procedures for safe work that are used to reduce the duration, frequency or severity of exposure to a hazard. They include work methods training, job rotation and gradual introduction to work.
Working reach envelope: the space about a person created by the reach capabilities to grasp an object with the back straight and minimal deviation of the elbow and shoulder from a neutral position.
Learn more about ergonomics by searching for articles at www.assemblymag.com
Austin Weber
webera@bnpmedia.com
Senior Editor


