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.
Workers are the experts when it comes to job design.
An Action Plan for Locals Don't wait for OSHA to set an ergonomic standard. Your employer is required by OSHA to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. Find out if there is a problem in your plant. Start a union ergonomics committee involving members on the health and safety and PSM oversight committees. Collect information to convince management there is a CTD problem.