Most workstations have sharp leading edges where the employee's forearms and elbows often come into contact. This can lead to contact trauma to the nerves, tendons and muscles located in the arms. Padding these areas such that employees arms are not in contact with sharp surfaces would significantly reduce the risk. The positioning of many of the items on the work surface requires the employee to utilize extended reaches to gain access. Repeated extended reaches, especially with a load in the hand, creates considerable stress on the musculoskeletal system of the shoulder, upper arm, and upper back.
Muscles become fatigued as the arm is held in elevated positions for prolonged periods.
The solder pot and bins which have elevated sides should be recessed into the table so employees can access materials without the necessity of reaching up and over the edges. Bins should be repositioned so they are within easy reach for employees. Generally, reaches should be limited to 16 to 17 inches away from the body and should be performed within about a 120 degree arc in front of the body. Hand tools used for cutting and soldering need some modification to reduce stresses associated with their design. Repeated abduction of the elbow away from the torso can create wear and tear on the shoulder tendons and bursa leading to thickening and deterioration of these entities, possibly developing into tendinitis or frozen shoulder syndrome.