Hand Tool Ergonomics

The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety is an excellent resource for guidance on how to reduce work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

The idea is that any business that handles hand tools from a corner bike shop to a high technology assembly plant can reference to understand how to match job demands to their worker capabilities. Industrial hygiene is the umbrella that ergonomics falls under because it relates to exposure limits. In the case of ergonomics, if limits are exceeded they can lead to conditions such as tendonitis, tenosynovitis, and degenerative disk disorder. We all know carpal tunnel, but nerve compression can occur in other areas of the body such as the cubital tunnel of the elbow.

It is important to have equipment to measure weight and force whether it’s a pinch force, grasp, pull, etc. Distance measuring tools are needed too so having a tape measure, caliper, or distance meter are some things you would find in an ergonomist’s toolbox. Video and pictures are helpful to keep track of positioning and activity or task but the best is use of video tracking or a specialist that can understand and measure posture. Immediately people think back but posture as it relates to all joints of the body. Observing bending of the wrist (flexion/extension), neck coming forward (protraction), and shoulder winging (abduction) are just some.

Things to consider when choosing tools include the weight, handle shape, handle diameter, handle length, separation between the handle and tool, triggers, and vibration. These are all important to use a tool to reduce bending, excessing grip force, and avoid vibration.