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Process for Implementing Ergonomics Regulatory Requirements

Module 6 - Guide for Investigating Musculoskeletal Injuries

Elbows, forearms and hands

Ergonomics-related hazard: Lift/lower

20. Do you lift/lower objects that are alive or large or odd-shaped or heavy or unbalanced or that have a shifting centre of gravity, such as a container half filled with water?

Consider the following:

  1. Eliminate the need to manually lift, lower or carry objects by using mechanical means such as cranes, hoists and pallet jacks.
  2. Reduce the distance of the load from the employee by removing any obstacles between the employee and the load so that the employee can move closer to the object.
  3. Reduce the distance between the load and the employee by moving the load closer to the employee by using a mechanical aid such as a turntable.
  4. Reduce the overall weight of the load by splitting into smaller loads.
  5. Use gravity to assist in manual handling by having a lift destination lower than the lift origin.
Elbows, forearms and hands

21. Do you lift or lower objects that are difficult to grasp or hold on to?

Consider the following:

  1. Grasping can be made easier by providing or improving grip/handles on objects being handled.
  2. Use properly fitting anti-slip gloves.

22. Are your elbows forearms or hands in awkward posture (e.g. forearm rotated, wrist bent) when lifting or lowering?

Consider the following:

  1. Improve the work space layout and/or the task to ensure the employee can handle the loads without getting the elbows, forearms and wrists into an awkward position (improve the manner in which the object can be accessed).

23. Do you lift objects over a significant height?

Consider the following:

  1. Reduce the overall vertical travel distance a load has to be lifted by better arranging the starting and ending location of the lift (e.g. modify storage practices, change shelf height, etc.).

24. Do you lift/lower objects while being seated?

Consider the following:

  1. Establish work procedure to prevent lifting of loads that are heavier than 4 kg when seated (stand and use larger, stronger muscles if lifting heavier objects).

25. Do you perform lifting/lowering tasks repeatedly or frequently?

Consider the following:

  1. Tasks that are physically demanding can be better organized to ensure they are not performed continually for prolonged periods. (Use job rotation/enhancement practices and pause periods to permit muscles to recover from applying force for prolonged periods.)

Ergonomics-related factor: Carrying

26. Do you carry objects that are alive or large or odd-shaped or heavy or unbalanced or that have a shifting centre of gravity, such as a container half filled with water?

Consider the following:

  1. Use carts, motorized buggies, conveyors, gravity feed systems, etc. to transport load rather than carrying.
  2. Use devices/tools such as carrying handles and extension handles to assist with carrying.
  3. Organize work tasks in order to reduce the carrying distance.
  4. Housekeeping will ensure the path can be kept clear of obstructions and trip hazards when carrying items.
  5. Eliminate work practice of carrying objects up or down stairs while using both hands to hold the object. (Such work practices should not be permitted. Use one hand to hold the hand rail.)
  6. Reduce the overall weight of the load by splitting it into smaller loads (i.e. manufacturers may have different size options that can be ordered.)

Ergonomics-related factor: Push or pull

27. Do you push or pull objects?

Consider the following:

  1. Eliminate the need to manually push or pull by using mechanical devices such as conveyors, cranes or gravity fed systems.
  2. Use larger wheels to enable carts/bins to roll over minor cracks or holes on floor more easily.
  3. Pushing will be easier with better swivel arrangement of casters – 2 or 4, front or back.
  4. Use wheels/casters that are suitable for the load being transported and are compatible with the type of flooring (improve wheels/casters).
  5. Incorporate brakes or improve the existing brakes in the cart so it can be stopped safely and with less physical effort.
  6. Reduce the physical effort required for pushing by properly maintaining the cart/bin, especially the wheels and wheel bearings.
  7. Whenever possible, ensure flooring is smooth but not slippery, level, in good condition (no significant cracks or holes), and is clean (no debris).
  8. Whenever possible, carts, bins, etc should pulled rather than being pushed.
  9. Ensure load is stabilized before being pushed or pulled (e.g. boxes stacked are tilted, not secured).
  10. Use footwear that is suited for the conditions when performing pushing and pulling.

28. Are your elbows forearms or hands in awkward posture (e.g. forearm rotated, wrist bent) when pushing or pulling?

Consider the following:

  1. Use carts with vertical or height adjustable handles in order to permit grasping the handle in a neutral position (accommodate people of varying heights).
  2. Increase the space in the work place to allow room for the pushing and pulling to be initiated and maintained in a neutral/comfortable posture.
  3. Remove visual barriers to reduce twisting or bending parts of the body to see around the cart, bin, etc.

Ergonomics-related factor: Grip force

29. Do you grip or grasp objects using significant force?

Consider the following:

  1. Eliminate a manual grip by using a mechanical device such as clamps or vice grips.
  2. Select and use tools/equipment that permits a power grip and avoid a pinch grip or wide grip span whenever possible.
  3. Use tools that are lighter and designed to reduce hand torque and kickbacks.
  4. Use tools with triggers that allow for use of multiple fingers rather than one finger or thumb.
  5. Use tools that are balanced and do not require extra muscular effort to hold it in position.
  6. Reduce hand-arm vibration by selecting and using tools with vibration reducing features.
  7. Support the weight of heavy or unbalanced tools by using overhead or under-tool supports.
  8. Adding rubber or sponge type grips will facilitate easier gripping of the equipment handle and help in accommodating larger hands.
  9. Choose tools with handles that fit the hand and do not create pressure points in the palm or fingers of the hand.
  10. Improve tool inspection and maintenance so that extra force is not required when using the tool.
  11. Select tools that can be safely used by the left or right hand.
  12. Improve work procedure to keep time spent gripping objects to a minimum, and the total time spent gripping are broken into shorter periods rather than being continuous.
  13. Use suitable gloves when grasping cold or vibrating objects.
  14. Use well-fitting gloves when grasping/gripping objects.
  15. Use of friction enhanced well-fitting gloves will facilitate gripping.

30. Is awkward posture of the wrist (bent wrist) encountered when gripping tools, equipment or objects?

Consider the following:

  1. Select and use tools that have handles designed to keep the wrist in a neutral/comfortable position based on the task being performed.
  2. Further reduce the awkward posture of the wrist by paying special attention to gripping objects with a straight wrist.

Ergonomics-related factor: Repetition

31. Do you perform tasks repeatedly using the same body part without the opportunity for that body part to rest or recover, resulting in fatigue of the soft tissues in that body area?

Consider the following:

  1. Eliminate or reduce repetitive tasks by mechanization (use of power tools) or by automation.
  2. Reduce the duration of performing repetitive task through well-designed job rotation or job enhancement (adding variety to the job).
  3. Greater flexibility can be incorporated into the repetitious task, thereby enabling the employee to control/modify the pace of repetition to prevent adverse effects.
  4. Micro-breaks can be better utilized to permit adversely affected soft tissues to rest and recover when performing highly repetitious tasks.
  5. Train employees in better work techniques in order to reduce unnecessary repetition.

Ergonomics-related factor: Work postures – Awkward posture of the wrist and forearm

32. Do you perform tasks during which your wrist or forearm gets into awkward postures frequently for a prolonged period (bending of the wrist in any direction, rotation of the forearm)?

Consider the following:

  1. Use power tools or mechanical turners to reduce forearm rotations.
  2. Select and use tools that have handles designed to keep the wrist in a neutral/comfortable position.
  3. Improve work space layout and/or the task to ensure the employee can handle the loads without getting the forearm and wrists into awkward position (improve the manner in which the object can be accessed).

33. Do you use tools or perform tasks that involve contact stress on your hand(s)?

Consider the following:

  1. Use of better equipment will reduce contact stress. (e.g. use a long-handled screw driver to prevent the butt from digging into the palm.)
  2. Use equipment instead of the hand/palm as a hammer.
  3. Reduce contact stress in the palm by using suitably padded gloves when lifting heavy objects by narrow plastic strapping.

34. Do you work with your hands in a cold environment?

Consider the following:

  1. Use suitable work practices to keep hands warm, such as wearing suitable gloves.
  2. Store tools and equipment inside (warm environment) so that the handles are not cold.
  3. Choose tools that do not discharge cold gases or use personal protective equipment to protect the hands such as gloves or gauntlets.
  4. Organize the work schedule (e.g. employee rotation) to permit alternative periods of cold and warm work to warm or cool the employee.

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Date Modified:
2012-03-14