Employees remove screws using a powered driver but the pistol grip configuration requires deviation of the wrist. When the wrist is deviated while exerting finger pressure there is an increased risk for the development of tendinitis and possibly carpal tunnel syndrome. Taping and winding tasks are done by hand and the process generally requires the use of considerable finger force. Investigate the feasibility of automating all or part of these operations or develop an alternative procedure for sealing the product. The use of heat shrink tapes, paint, or dip coatings would alleviate most of the finger force required to secure and wrap the tape strips.
Most employees use the hand as the clamp to hold the part being worked on.
Jigs or clamps should be developed which will hold the part in the proper orientation for accomplishment of the task. Specially designed clamps or jigs may permit better, more efficient accomplishment of the task while also eliminating the hand clamping hazard. The taping function for instance, might be more efficiently performed with a specialty clamp which will securely hold the piece while automatically turning it for better access, to facilitate tape application. Jobs should be classified as to the nature and extent of exertion and a rotation schedule should be created that allows for as much variation as possible in the distribution and frequency of musculoskeletal activity. Work-rest schedules should be developed and enforced.