Certain hobbies and off-work activities which also include these risk factors can also make matters worse. Other factors can contribute to CTDs including fatigue, poor work practices, or lack of training. Individual strength, flexibility, or conditioning also plays a role. But on closer examination, we often find that the real problem was that the job was poorly designed. Applying ergonomic principles to our work can help eliminate disabling aches and pains.
Many solutions are available from redesigned tools to adjustable work stations.
Suspending heavy impact wrenches from an adjustable tool balancer can greatly reduce strain to the wrist, arm, and shoulders. Rotating a valve or putting on an extension bar can bring it into a safe zone for turning. A valve maintenance program and replacement of valves requiring more than the recommended 50 pounds of force to turn at the handwheel can reduce force requirements and the need to use valve wrenches. An adjustable chair and proper setup of the computer work station in the control room or in offices can reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and neck and back pain. We need to become better informed about what puts us at risk for repeated trauma disorders, and negotiate joint labor-management Ergonomic Control Programs that use teams of workers, supervisors, and engineers to evaluate and redesign jobs.