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Selecting hand tools

Description

Poorly designed hand tools — too heavy, poorly balanced, with a grip that is too large, the wrong shape, or slippery — can lead to injuries of the hand, wrist, forearm, shoulder, and neck. Hammers... More ≫

Description

Poorly designed hand tools — too heavy, poorly balanced, with a grip that is too large, the wrong shape, or slippery — can lead to injuries of the hand, wrist, forearm, shoulder, and neck. Hammers or pliers with bent handles keep the wrist and forearm straight to reduce injury and increase power. Pliers and cutting tools with spring-assisted jaws require less finger and hand effort to repeatedly open the jaws. Power tools with foam or rubberized grips help reduce the transfer of vibration to the hands and arms.

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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.

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Appropriate workwear for flash fire and explosion hazards

Description

Flash fires and explosions are common hazards in work areas where flammable materials are handled, processed, stored, or in any way present. This fact sheet points out that, contrary to popular... More ≫

Description

Flash fires and explosions are common hazards in work areas where flammable materials are handled, processed, stored, or in any way present. This fact sheet points out that, contrary to popular belief, it is body areas covered by clothing that are often the most severely burned. It goes on to discuss the importance of fire-retardant clothing and things to consider when selecting it.

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Proper height of work surfaces

Description

Too high? Too low? Just right? Workers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And the tasks they perform can vary from light precision work to assembling heavy and awkward equipment. Is one... More ≫

Description

Too high? Too low? Just right? Workers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And the tasks they perform can vary from light precision work to assembling heavy and awkward equipment. Is one workstation appropriate for every worker and every task? Ask the tall worker with neck pain, crouched over a low bench for hours. Or the short worker, who has to raise her arms and shoulders too high, making it both uncomfortable and difficult to apply much force when necessary. Ideally, work surface heights should be adjusted to accommodate different workers and different tasks.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Using pesticides safely

Description

Workers in many different jobs can be exposed to pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, etc.). They include horticulturists, exterminators, greenhouse workers, forestry... More ≫

Description

Workers in many different jobs can be exposed to pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, etc.). They include horticulturists, exterminators, greenhouse workers, forestry workers, roadside powerline workers, petroleum sector workers (pipeline right-of-way, wellsites), agricultural workers and aerial pesticide applicators among others. This bulletin explains how pesticides can enter your body, what the health effects are, and what you can do to protect your health.

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Guidelines for workers applying insecticides

Description

This bulletin presents safety guidelines for workers when applying insecticides.

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