Reducing Risk of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Your Workstation

Whenever possible, make choices that reduce your risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). You may not be able to use every tip offered here. But try to find a few that work for your situation. If you can control an identified risk factor, you've been successful. Any time you reduce your risk, you reduce your chances of injury.

Use tools with counterbalances or overhead assists. These can reduce the amount of weight your body must support.

Wear personal protective equipment when it's needed. If you need gloves, make sure they fit correctly. They shouldn't make it harder to grip something.

Adjust your work height. Use the height that's best for the type of task being done:

• For general tasks like grinding. Materials should be at elbow height.
• For precision work like assembling small parts. Materials should be slightly higher than your elbow.
• For forceful tasks like cranking a wrench or cutting meat. Materials should be slightly lower than your elbow.

Use anti-fatigue mats to cushion your feet from hard surfaces. These mats also stimulate small movements in your foot muscles. This helps improve blood flow through your feet and legs.

Select tools that make the job easier. Remember these tips:

• Textured or cushioned handles provide an easier grip.
• Some curved handles help keep your wrist straight.
• Grip diameters should be comfortable for your hand, usually between 1.25 and 2 inches for single-handled tools.
• For precision tasks, the tool handle diameter should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch for single-handled tools.
• Grip span for cutters or pliers should range between 2 and 3.5 inches.
• Spring-loaded handles on cutters and pliers reduce the amount of force that's needed for use.
• In-line or pistol-grip tools can be used, depending on the position of the work.
• Power tools with adjustable clutches help prevent high torque and sharp kickback.