Ergonomics for Electricians--Musculoskeletal Disorders, Part 2
by Dave Ferkul, CIH, CSP Supervisor
Workplace Safety Consultation
Minnesota’s workforce is aging. With an aging workforce comes an increased risk of experiencing a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) from prolonged heavy lifting, awkward/over-head postures, and repetitive motion. Vibration, cold temperatures, and extended work shifts, adds to the risk.
One of the most common occupational injuries is still back injuries due to overexertion. This susceptibility to injury is often the result of the cumulative effects of prior stressful activities.
How can you prevent a back injury?
Under ideal conditions, NIOSH has determined that a recommended weight limit for lifting is 51 lbs. What’s ideal?
• Lift from at or near waist level.
• Have a good, firm grip (i.e. fingers curled underneath or grasping handles).
• Hold the object near the body.
• No twisting at the waist.
Avoid excessive overexertion. Minimize risk factors that reduce the recommended weight limit.
• Lifts from below shin level and above shoulder level.
• Twisting when lifting. Pivot the feet when turning and look for ways to minimize the need to turn or twist.
• Limit how much is carried at once. Just a few pounds less can go a long way in preventing MSD symptoms and injury.
• Avoid excessive reaching during a lift. The further the object is held from the body the greater the injury risk.
• Avoid prolonged awkward, static postures. A ‘stooped-forward’ position is considered an awkward posture and a risk factor for low back pain that greatly increases when bent forward more than 30 degrees. Consider ways to better position the work. Bend at the knees–not the waist. Construction Solutions has a detailed hazard analysis of stooped postures that includes both engineering and administrative control solutions to minimize injury risk.
When evaluating a lifting task, look to minimize the highest-risk motion(s). Use of material handling equipment will help. Try the lifting calculator app that’s available through Washington State Department of Labor and reference CALOHSA’s Ergonomic Survival Guide for Electricians, for added injury prevention information.
Finally, eliminate slip, trip and fall hazards. Implement a Clean-As-You-Go policy to keep the work area clean and unobstructed while you work.
Reference web-links:
• NIOSH: Manual for the Revised Lifting Equation www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/94-110/default.html
• CPWR: Construction Solutions www.cpwrconstructionsolutions.org/hazard/548/stooped-postures.html
• WISHA: Lifting Calculator App http://lni.wa.gov/safety/SprainsStrains/tools/default.asp
• CALOSHA: Ergonomic Survival Guide for Electricians www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/electriciansergo.pdf