All Resources

Good product design : avoiding the average

Description

A good design takes into account that people vary widely in size and shape.

Tags

Push it or pull it?

Description

Carts and wheeled equipment help to make work safer and more efficient in almost every workplace. For example, dollies move heavy equipment parts on shop floors, and wheeled carts carry supplies... More ≫

Description

Carts and wheeled equipment help to make work safer and more efficient in almost every workplace. For example, dollies move heavy equipment parts on shop floors, and wheeled carts carry supplies and materials in office buildings. It’s important, though, to understand how best to work with wheeled equipment since between 9 and 20 per cent of the injury claims for low back pain are the result of pushing and pulling activities.

Tags

How to use wrist rests

Description

Wrist rests for computer keyboards and mice have become commonplace accessories. Like most tools, they have the potential to help or harm you, depending on whether you use them as intended. This... More ≫

Description

Wrist rests for computer keyboards and mice have become commonplace accessories. Like most tools, they have the potential to help or harm you, depending on whether you use them as intended. This brief information sheet presents some tips for choosing and using a wrist rest.

Tags

New thinking about carpal tunnel syndrome

Description

Recent research findings into the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome show just how mysterious the human body can be. This ailment affects up to 10 percent of the population, with women affected more... More ≫

Description

Recent research findings into the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome show just how mysterious the human body can be. This ailment affects up to 10 percent of the population, with women affected more often than men. The incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome peaks at approximately age 42 and reveals itself as numbness, tingling and pain in the hands, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers.

Tags

That hurts! : contact stress at work

Description

Contact stress happens when force is concentrated on a small area of the body, pinching or crushing tissue and causing discomfort and often pain. You experience contact stress, for example, when... More ≫

Description

Contact stress happens when force is concentrated on a small area of the body, pinching or crushing tissue and causing discomfort and often pain. You experience contact stress, for example, when the edge of a work surface digs into your forearm or wrist. This brief fact sheet provides tips for avoiding injury from contact stress in the workplace.

Tags

Wrist splints and MSIs

Description

Splints and supports are frequently used by workers suffering from a musculoskeletal injury (MSI), often caused by overuse of the wrist. Many splints are advertised as being useful for preventing... More ≫

Description

Splints and supports are frequently used by workers suffering from a musculoskeletal injury (MSI), often caused by overuse of the wrist. Many splints are advertised as being useful for preventing injury or as an on-the-job treatment of an existing injury. In general, splints and supports are overused and are often of questionable value. If used, they need to be chosen carefully and worn properly.

Tags

Determining the size of an access opening

Description

How big should an opening in a structure be to allow a person to pass through it? A simple question can often have a complex answer. Scientists and ergonomists have measured the body dimensions of... More ≫

Description

How big should an opening in a structure be to allow a person to pass through it? A simple question can often have a complex answer. Scientists and ergonomists have measured the body dimensions of thousands of people in order to create anthropometric tables, which allow designers to create products – including access openings – that meet the needs of the people who use them.

Tags

You want me to lift how much?

Description

There is no specific law regarding the maximum weight a worker can lift. Restricting loads to a particular weight does not guarantee safety, and it is difficult to come up with a single safe... More ≫

Description

There is no specific law regarding the maximum weight a worker can lift. Restricting loads to a particular weight does not guarantee safety, and it is difficult to come up with a single safe weight limit for lifting. This bulletin looks at the use of online lifting calculators to determine appropriate weight limits, and points to consider before using these.

Tags

Putting the “I” in ergonomics

Description

Looks at ergonomic issues in the workplace and the need to consider personal as well as work-related actions that could be considered when looking for solutions.

Tags

All shook up : understanding vibration

Description

Many workers are exposed to vibration daily while using vibrating equipment or machinery. Workers operating hand-held equipment, such as chain saw or jackhammer, are exposed to hand-arm vibration.... More ≫

Description

Many workers are exposed to vibration daily while using vibrating equipment or machinery. Workers operating hand-held equipment, such as chain saw or jackhammer, are exposed to hand-arm vibration. Workers sitting or standing on a vibrating floor or seat are exposed to whole-body vibration because the vibration affects almost their entire body. The risk of injury from exposure to either type of vibration depends on the intensity and frequency of the vibration, the duration of exposure (usually measured in years) and the part(s) of the body affected.

Tags