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A Simple Way to Prevent MSDs
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Ergonomic Tools: A Simple Way to Prevent MSDs |
| Preventing musculoskeletal disorders is a major concern for safety professionals. One important factor is the tools employees use. |
| Tools should be designed to help workers maintain a neutral body position and avoid: |
| Twisting |
| Vibration |
| Static muscle loading |
| Pressure on tissue and joints |
| Other important considerations: |
| Use supports or counterweights to minimize the weight of the tool. |
| Tool shape should help prevent awkward wrist or shoulder postures. |
| Balanced tools will help prevent strain on the wrist. |
| Design Counts |
| Handle size impacts the amount of force and muscle strain needed to hold the tool. Handles should: |
| Fit the individual user's hand |
| Be long enough so that the end does not press into the palm or wrist |
| Have rounded edges |
| Be made of compressible and nonslippery material |
| Minimize the transfer of vibration to the hand |
| Other important design features: |
| The power control of the tool should not require extra force to turn the tool on/off or to keep it operating. Buy power tools with an automatic start/stop feature. |
| Avoid triggers that require high tension with one finger. |
| Variable torque settings help to minimize rotational forces. |
