As our smart readers know, ergonomics is about fitting the work to the worker, ensuring that jobs and tasks are within the worker’s capabilities and limitations.
In theory and practice, ergonomics is a valuable business tool. Good ergonomics reduces injury risk, improves work performance and efficiently builds a better end product.
We write about ergonomics often and our goal is always to help you move your ergonomics process forward, helping you capitalize on this business tool for your organization and your most important asset, your people.
Our new regular feature, Workplace Ergonomics Case Studies, will move away from abstract theory and dive into the real world practice of ergonomics. It’s about real people doing real work in ergonomics, with tangible takeaways and principles you can apply in your workplace right now.
The first installment of Workplace Ergonomics Case Studies is submitted by veteran Ergonomics Plus injury prevention specialist Ray Albensi.
Ray Albensi, MS, ATC/L
Ray Albensi is a 1988 graduate of Penn State University, obtained a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training in 1992 from West Virginia University, and a second Master’s Degree in Health Administration from the University of Kentucky. Ray has provided ergonomics and injury prevention services to industry since 1997.
Job Description
Employees have periodically complained of fatigue and discomfort in their wrist and elbow due to repetitive squeezing of a manual caulk gun. In addition, the company was required to go to non-silicone caulk. Various non-silicone caulk was tested to see how much force was required to apply the caulk from the manual caulk gun. Grip forces exceeded 20 lbs. on all the non-silicone caulk that was tested.
Ergonomic Risk Factors
- Repetitive grip force > 20 lbs.
- Repetitive gripping and use of forearm muscles with palm down grip. This is a risk factor for developing lateral epicondylitis.
Quality Issues
- Inconsistent placement and amount of the bead of caulk due to manual control of the caulk gun.
Ergonomic Controls Implemented
Since the forces measured were beyond ergonomic guideline recommendations, a pneumatic caulk gun was purchased in order to eliminate the grip force risk factor.
Cost of Ergonomic Improvement
A pneumatic caulk gun is a low capital expenditure and can cost anywhere from $50 – $300.
Effectiveness of Ergonomic Improvement
Benefits of the pneumatic caulk gun:
- Better ergonomics: Reduced grip force fatigue and pinch grip posture of the hand by not having to use the manual caulk gun. The pneumatic caulk gun eliminates any significant grip force.
- Better quality: Consistent placement of a bead of caulk will ensure a quality seal to the busway.
- Better productivity: More efficient process of placing the bead of caulk to the busway.
Ergonomic Principles and Takeaways
Excessive force is one of the primary ergonomic risk factors. Many work tasks require high force loads on the human body. Muscle effort increases in response to high force requirements which increases fatigue and risk of a Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD).
There are numerous conditions that affect force, but the idea is to recognize when a job or task requires excessive force and then find ways to reduce that force.
Eliminating excessive force requirements will reduce worker fatigue and the risk of MSD formation in most workers. Using mechanical assists, counter balance systems, adjustable height lift tables and workstations, powered equipment and ergonomic tools will reduce work effort and muscle exertions.
(For more on ergonomic fundamentals, read 8 Fundamental Ergonomic Principles for Better Work Performance.)
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