Round work surface edges that come in contact with the worker. Tool handles and trigger switches should have rounded contours. Avoid the use of tools that require continuous or intermittent pressure on the fingers, palm, base of the wrist, forearm, and elbow. When possible, use self-opening tools such as pliers and scissors that are spring loaded. This reduces contact stresses required to open the tool. When contact stress itself cannot be avoided, the goal is to distribute the pressure over as large an area as possible by increasing the contact surface area. Questions: Is the worker in contact with sharp edges in the work place (machine guards, tool handles, desk edges, etc.)? Use of the hands for pounding Nerve and soft tissue trauma may occur when the hands are used as hammers. Using the hands in this manner increases the likelihood of local inflammation that may cause unnecessary scarring. Eventually reduction in blood flow to the nerves and other soft tissues may occur. Inappropriate techniques and work processes are frequently the culprit regarding contact stresses. Encourage workers to be aware of potential problem areas such as pressure over vulnerable areas of the body where nerves and blood vessels are close to the surface. Hands are NOT hammers! Contact Stress Sitting and Standing – Two areas of the body that are frequently not evaluated for contact stress are the feet of people who stand all day, and the buttocks and thighs of those who sit all day. Evaluate chairs by observing pressure at the front of the seat pan and the position of the backrest. Evaluate the potential for pressure behind the knee or at the back of the thigh caused by the edge of the seat pan. Floor surfaces can affect the comfort of workers who are required to stand for a large percentage of the day. This is a problem particularly when there is limited potential for movement. Concrete, steel grates, uneven or vibrating floor surfaces may increase foot, leg or spinal fatigue and discomfort and can affect concentration and product quality. Anti-fatigue mats or shock absorbing shoe inserts can improve comfort levels. Questions: Contact Stress - Hard surface Must the worker stand on a hard surface for 45 percent or more of the work shift?
Round work surface edges that come in contact with the worker. Tool handles and trigger switches should have rounded contours. Avoid the use of tools that require continuous or intermittent pressure on the fingers, palm, base of the wrist, forearm, and elbow. When possible, use self-opening tools such as pliers and scissors that are spring loaded. This reduces contact stresses required to open the tool. When contact stress itself cannot be avoided, the goal is to distribute the pressure over as large an area as possible by increasing the contact surface area. Questions: Is the worker in contact with sharp edges in the work place (machine guards, tool handles, desk edges, etc.)? Use of the hands for pounding Nerve and soft tissue trauma may occur when the hands are used as hammers. Using the hands in this manner increases the likelihood of local inflammation that may cause unnecessary scarring. Eventually reduction in blood flow to the nerves and other soft tissues may occur. Inappropriate techniques and work processes are frequently the culprit regarding contact stresses. Encourage workers to be aware of potential problem areas such as pressure over vulnerable areas of the body where nerves and blood vessels are close to the surface. Hands are NOT hammers! Contact Stress – Sitting and Standing Two areas of the body that are frequently not evaluated for contact stress are the feet of people who stand all day, and the buttocks and thighs of those who sit all day. Evaluate chairs by observing pressure at the front of the seat pan and the position of the backrest. Evaluate the potential for pressure behind the knee or at the back of the thigh caused by the edge of the seat pan. Floor surfaces can affect the comfort of workers who are required to stand for a large percentage of the day. This is a problem particularly when there is limited potential for movement. Concrete, steel grates, uneven or vibrating floor surfaces may increase foot, leg or spinal fatigue and discomfort and can affect concentration and product quality. Anti-fatigue mats or shock absorbing shoe inserts can improve comfort levels. Questions: Contact Stress - Hard surface Must the worker stand on a hard surface for 45 percent or more of the work shift?
Ergonomics%20Analysis%20for%20Health%20Care%20Professionals.docx