Introduction Engineering Ergonomics Reference Guide provides ergonomics checklists, specifications and supporting information to assist in designing tasks, tools, equipment and workstations that enhance productivity and quality of the work product and reduce the risk of injury in the workplace. This information is provided within the context of professional judgment rendered on the part of reader. Applying ergonomics principles will help to ensure jobs are performed by workers in a safe, efficient and pain-free manner by: “Working smarter not harder.”
“Fitting the task (i.e. tools, equipment, facilities, etc.) to the worker rather than forcing the worker to fit the task.” Primary Ergonomics Risk Factors Primary ergonomics risk factors in the workplace that contribute to decreased productivity and quality and increased musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) include: Awkward and sustained postures Excessive forces imposed on the body or generated by the body Excessive frequency and duration of tasks Uncontrolled environmental factors (illumination, noise, thermal, ventilation, vibration) Uncontrolled perceptual demand factors (auditory, touch, visual) Ergonomics is an established scientific discipline based on: Occupational Biomechanics Work Physiology Engineering Psychology Epidemiology Anthropometry Primary Ergonomics Principles Promote effective work processes Promote neutral body/limb position and support Promote physical movement Control manual material handling Promote work in the user’s reach zone Provide correct equipment and facilities Provide competency training Control exposure to work environment Promote health and wellness Provide on-going feedback and follow-up Bottom line . . . incorporating ergonomics principles in the design and use of tasks, tools, equipment and workstations will improve productivity and quality and reduce or eliminate work related injuries. A more comfortable, safe and productive working environment is the end result.
Grip and Hand Strength Illustrations Criteria Freq (Max) Description A. Grip Rep 4 lbs. Grasp with full hand, typically with thumb overlapping the first finger. Inf 20 lbs. B. Pinch Grip Rep 2 lbs. Grasp with finger tips only, typically with fingers and thumb not touching. Inf 9 lbs. C. Key Grip Rep 2 lbs. Grasp with thumb and side of the first finger. Inf 10 lbs. D. Push forward with Finger Rep 3 lbs. Push forward with pad of index finger. Inf 15 lbs. E. Push down with Index Finger Rep 3 lbs. Push down with pad of index finger. Inf 15 lbs. F. Push Forward with Thumb Rep 4 lbs. Push forward with pad of thumb Inf 21 lbs. G. Push Down with Rep 2 lbs. Push down with pad of thumb. Inf 10 lbs. H. Pull with Pinch Grip 0.1” Rep 2 lbs. Pull toward body with pinch grip using thumb and index finger. Inf 10 lbs. I. Pull with Grip 1.6” Rep 2.5 lbs. Pull toward body with grip using thumb and index finger. Inf 13 lbs. Hand Tool Design and Selection Tools: Checklist “NO” answer indicates need for additional investigation. YES NO NA Tools selected to limit or minimize: Exposure to excessive vibration. Use of excessive force. Bending or twisting Finger pinch grip. Problems associated with trigger finger (prolonged flexion with forceful exertion).