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Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDs) (Factors/controls to consider…
Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDs)
Definitions
Musculoskeletal disorder
is a generic term used to describe a medical condition caused by poor working conditions. Disorders affect muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves and bones.
Examples of disorders include
Back injuries such as prolapsed discs linked to excessive lifting and poor posture
Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs
) - Generic term covering various disorders related to the neck, through to arms and fingers. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, tendinitis, hand-arm vibration syndrome, epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Soft tissue injuries - muscle, tendon and ligament injuries in other parts of body, for example knees and ankles
Signs and symptoms of WRULDs
Stiffness in joints of the wrist, shoulder or elbow
Inflammation of the affected area of the upper limb
Feeling of pain in the affected area of the upper limb
Difficulty in grasping objects with the hands
Examples of operations that can cause WRULDs
Keyboard operation
Checkout operation
Assembly of small components
Bricklaying
Meaning of Ergonomics
The study of the relationship between the worker, the work being done and the environment in which the work is being done
Matching the workplace to the individual needs of the worker
Individual factors to consider include
Age
Gender
Level of competency
Pre-existing health issues (e.g. heart conditions)
Height and size of the individual
Strength of the individual
Other health effects associated with poor workstation design
General fatigue
Stress
Headaches
Eye strain
Musculoskeletal risk factors giving rise to ill-health conditions
Task
Factors
Repetition
Force required by individual (how strenuous the work is)
Posture
Twisting
Stretching/reaching distances
Frequency of breaks
Environmental
factors
Level of lighting (need to avoid glare)
Temperature & ventilation
Provision of adequate space to allow for movement
Equipment
factors
Designed for intended task
Designed for use in that environment
Adjustability (to suit different users)
Quality marked (CE, British standard)
Free from defects
Clear marking to aid use
Factors/controls to consider when assessing risks of a factory assembly line
Task
Duration of work
Frequency of breaks
Speed of the manufacturing line
Force used to make components
Rates of twisting
Equipment
Well maintained & in good working order
Easy to grasp & use
Adjustable where necessary
Inspected before use
Environment
Local lighting for precision work
Suitable temperature & ventilation (depending on nature of work)
Adequate space to move & complete work
Ill-health effects associated with factory assembly line tasks
Work-related upper limb disorders
Eye strain
Back injuries
Factors/controls to consider when assessing a DSE workstation
Equipment - Seat
Adjustable height of backrest
Lumbar support
Adjustable height of seat itself
5-star wheel base to allow easy movement
Arm rests
Swivel mechanism
Equipment - Desk
Free from excessive clutter
Sufficient for paperwork
No obstructions under the desk
Document holder if required
Equipment - Keyboard
Keyboard separate from screen (not a laptop)
Keyboard suitable for the user
Key marking easy to read & in the correct language
Keys do not require excessive force to enable
Equipment - Display monitor
Appropriate distance from eyes
At correct height for individual
Consideration of font size on screen software
Adjustability of contrast & glare
Task
Suitable arm position to keyboard (elbow 90-degree angle)
Time spent in work position
Repetition rate of typing
Foot rest to ensure feet on solid surface if cannot reach the floor
Ill-health effects associated with the use of display screen equipment
Work-related upper limb disorder
Eye strain
Headaches
Back injuries
Epilepsy
Factors/controls to consider when assessing risks from bricklaying
Task
Duration of work
Frequency of breaks
Speed required from the worker to complete the bricklaying
Force required to lift bricks
Rates of twisting from lifting bricks to placing them in the wall
Equipment
Suitable for the task it is intended for
Well maintained & in good working order (brick trowel, hammer)
Inspected before use
Environment
Lighting level considering indoor & outdoor work, time of year
Suitable temperature & ventilation (depending on location)
Adequate space to move & complete work
Ill-health effects associated with bricklaying
Work-related upper limb disorder
Dermatitis
Back injuries
Factors/controls to consider when assessing risks from supermarket checkout operation
Task
Duration of shift
Frequency of breaks
Speed of the checkout conveyor belt and control of the operator over the belt
Force required to lift items
Twisting from lifting items from belt to bagging
Equipment
Well maintained & in good working order (checkout belt, barcode scanners)
Inspected before use
Till display screen & keyboard correct position for operator
Environment
Lighting around checkout area
Suitable temperature & ventilation
Adequate space to move & complete work
Ill-health effects associated with supermarket checkout operation
Work-related upper limb disorders
Eye strain
Headaches
Back injuries