GUIDELINE for MSD Hazard Control Measures

APPENDIX C GUIDELINE for MSD Hazard Control Measures This MSD Control Measures guideline document will help you eliminate or reduce musculoskeletal disorder hazards identified by the MSD Hazard ID Form. To ensure the best corrective action is implemented, it is important to understand the root cause of the hazard. Brainstorm with the worker(s) who perform the task to get their opinion of what might be causing the hazard. Consider questions such as, Why is the worker in this posture? What task is he/she doing while in this posture? until the root cause becomes clear. Once you understand the root cause, the following tables can help determine corrective action to eliminate or reduce the hazard. For hazards related to computer use, refer to the Workstation Adjustment Manual. It is important to ensure that changes to address one hazard do not cause other hazards for any worker. 1. Awkward postures Ideas for Control Measures to Eliminate or Reduce Hazards Working with the neck bent forward or to the side more than 30 for more than 2 hours move the tool/object to a location that allows the worker to assume a neutral neck posture total per o place object on an appropriately-sized table, bench, or stand day o use tilt table to angle object closer to worker o manoeuvre and adjust bed, chair or examining table Neck Working with the neck rotated more than o reposition (raise, lower, tilt) controls, monitors and/or handles 45 in either direction for more than 4 hours o provide height adjustable workstations to accommodate variation in body size and type of work being done (e.g. precision vs. heavy work) reposition the worker to allow what is being used/viewed, viewed in a neutral posture o use work platforms to bring worker closer to the work Shoulder Working with the neck bent back / up more than 10 for more than 2 hours total per day Working with the elbow(s) at / or above the shoulder for more than 2 hours o provide height adjustable chairs to raise or lower worker to work in a more neutral posture o position worker in front of work that is being performed install mirrors to allow worker to view object without working in an awkward posture reduce the frequency of posture through job enlargement or job rotation break-up tasks that require awkward neck posture with tasks that allow a neutral posture move the tool/object to a location that allows the worker to work with elbows below shoulder level o lower object, tool and/or work surface to reduce elevated reach o use tilt tables to angle objects closer to worker o use access doors on containers to reduce elevated reach o place frequently-used materials at appropriate height and less frequently-used materials in less desirable locations o reposition/modify controls and handles to reduce reach Page 1 of 6

Shoulder (Continued) Working while sitting or standing with the back bent forward, sideways, or twisted more than 30 for more than 2 hours total per day o add extensions to handles, tools, etc. to reduce reach. *ensure that wrist demands are not increased reposition the worker to allow him/her to work with elbows below shoulder level o use scaffolds, step stools and other work platforms to raise worker closer to work o provide height adjustable chairs to raise worker to required height reduce the weight/forces of objects/tools being handled/used while working overhead o use mechanical lifts, hoist to support object o use support arms or balancers to eliminate/reduce weight of tool o use lighter weight and balanced tool mechanize the process to eliminate overhead reach reduce the frequency of the posture through job enlargement or job rotation break-up task that requires the worker to work with the elbows above shoulder level with a task that does not require this posture reduce the time spent in the posture so that the worker is not working with his/her hands at or above the shoulder for more than 1 minute at a time Back move the tool/object that is being used closer and directly in front of worker o use tables, lift tables, benches, or stands o use tilt tables to angle objects closer to worker o use turn tables to reduce reach o use self-levelling lift tables to ensure objects remain at optimal height o install false bottoms in deep bins to keep item near top of bin o place frequently-used materials at appropriate height and less frequently-used materials in less desirable locations o reposition/modify controls, handles to reduce awkward posture o add extensions to handles, tools, etc. to reduce bending angle; *ensure that wrist demands are not increased o use pull out shelves to reduce reaches o reduce depth of containers to reduce reach Page 2 of 6 reposition the worker directly in front and close to the object/tool/equipment o provide height adjustable workstations to optimize individuals posture

Knees Prolonged Sitting Working while sitting or standing with the back bent back more than 10, and with no support for the back, for more than 2 hours Worker squats/ kneels for more than 2 hours break-up tasks that require the worker to bend with tasks that do not require bending/twisting lower, tilt or rotate the tool/object that is being used elevate the worker investigate equipment that provides support while working in extended back posture move the object to a location that allows the worker to assume a neutral posture o use tables, benches, stands, to elevate or tilt object reposition the worker to allow them to work in a neutral posture, e.g., by using use work stools, equipment to allow worker to support his/her weight in a seated posture instead of kneeling or squatting provide protective knee pads or rubber mats to reduce contact stress on knees reduce the frequency of squatting or kneeling through job enlargement or job rotation 2. Static Whole Body Postures Ideas for Control Measures to Eliminate or Reduce Hazards Worker sits for more than 6 hours total/day provide height adjustable work surface to allow flexibility of posture throughout the day (work in both sitting and standing position) provide an adjustable chair to ensure proper sitting posture can be attained reduce the frequency of sitting through job enlargement or job rotation rise and stretch from the seated posture at least once every 30 minutes If sitting occurs in a vehicle can you: train and instruct drivers to: o adjust the driver weight setting on suspension seats o adjust the seat position and controls correctly to provide good lines of sight and support o adjust the vehicle speed to suit the ground conditions to avoid excessive jarring o maintain vehicle suspension system correctly to reduce jarring (e.g. tire pressure, seat suspension) purchase vehicles with well-designed seats (e.g. adjustable, good lumbar support) Prolonged Standing Worker stands on a hard surface for more than 4 hours (standing in one location without taking more than 2 steps in any direction) provide sit/stand stools or adjustable stool chairs provide foot rest or foot rail to elevate one foot provide anti-fatigue matting reduce the frequency of standing through job enlargement or job rotation 3. a & b Lift/Lower Forces Ideas for Control Measures to Eliminate or Reduce Hazards Can you eliminate manual lifting by: using mechanical assists to lift/lower loads such as hoists, lift trucks, pump trucks, ladder hoists, cranes, Page 3 of 6

Back, Shoulder Lifting and Lowering objects chain falls using a conveyor system to transport loads reorganizing the work process so lifting is not required If you must lift the load, can you: reduce the weight of the load o divide the load into smaller loads o carry loads in both hands rather than one hand o purchase material in lighter weights e.g., order 10 kg bags of salt instead of 25 kg bags. o use a two or more person lifting technique bring the object as close to the body as possible or bring the worker close to the object o use turn, tilt or lift tables to keep load at optimal lifting height o use roller racks, fish eye tables to reduce force of pulling object close to body o can the container be made less bulky to allow the worker to be closer to the load o ensure there are no obstacles between the worker and the load being lifted o wear proper protective equipment to allow object to rest near body e.g., apron o keep the heaviest side of the load close to the body limit shelf heights to between knuckle and shoulder height place frequently-used materials at appropriate height and less frequently-used materials in less desirable locations store materials in areas that are easy to access limit the overall vertical travel distance a load has to be lifted. avoid lifting loads that are heavier than 4 kg when seated stand so stronger muscles can be used train workers in proper Manual Material Handling techniques improve grip/handles on objects being lifted reduce the frequency of the lift through job enlargement or job rotation use gravity as an assist whenever possible (lower rather than lift) To reduce the effort of carrying tasks: provide tools/devices to help with carrying tasks carrying handles, extension handles, carts use carts, motorized buggies, conveyors, or dollies to transport loads rather than carrying them do not carry objects up or down stairs if two hands are needed to hold them; keep one hand free to hold hand rail improve workstation design/layout to reduce carrying distances and twisting Back, Shoulder 4. a & b Push/Pull Forces Ideas for Control Measures to Eliminate or Reduce Hazards push rather than pull carts provide carts that have vertical or height adjustable handles to enable different size workers to position their hands between waist and shoulder height use larger wheels on carts and bins to reduce push and pull forces and make carts easier to roll over Page 4 of 6

uneven surfaces (*ensure that the handle height is still at an ideal location if wheels are retrofitted) ensure wheels / casters are suitable for the load being transported and compatible with the type of flooring determine the most suitable swivel arrangement of casters 2 or 4, front or back. ensure there is enough space in the work area to manoeuvre the cart in a comfortable posture change layout of work area to eliminate the need to push wheeled objects up slopes or over uneven surfaces ensure the flooring is level, smooth and in good condition ensure workers can see over the top of the cart maintain carts, especially wheels and wheel bearings to reduce effort provide brakes on carts where practical Neck, Shoulders, Elbows, Wrists or Hands 5. Repetition Ideas for Control Measures to Eliminate or Reduce Hazards Worker repeats the same motion with the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, or hands every few seconds with little or no variation for more than 2 hours (excluding keying activities) implement well-designed job rotation to reduce repetition add different tasks to the job to increase the variety of activities include flexibility in the job so the worker can control pace of work break up repetitive tasks with tasks that are not repetitive encourage workers to take micro-breaks mechanize the task where possible alternate hands ensure layout and job design is not contributing to repetitive motions ensure neutral posture while performing task Computer Use Worker uses computer more than 3 hours Each individual that uses the computer more than 3 hours must complete the Office Ergonomics Checklist. Hazard control measures are included in the Office Ergonomics Checklist package. Pinch Grip 6. Grip Force Ideas for Control Measures to Eliminate or Reduce Hazards Pinch gripping an unsupported object(s) weighing 1 kg or more per hand for more than 2 hours OR Pinch gripping with a force of 2 kg or more per hand for more than 2 hours provide tools that allow workers to grip the tool using a power grip instead of a pinch grip eliminate the use of pinch or key grips as much as possible, e.g., use T-grips on keys reduce force required to turn key/tool or activate tool use two hands instead of one alternate hands whenever possible choose tools or equipment that can be used with the wrist in a neutral posture Page 5 of 6

Power Grip Hand/Wrist Hands, Knees Power gripping an unsupported object(s) weighing 5 kg or more per hand for more than 2 hours OR Power gripping with a force of 5 kg or more for more than 2 hours Employee uses one of the following as a hammer more than 10 times per hour and for more than 2 hours : Hand(s) Knee choose tools that have triggers that allow for the use of multiple fingers rather than one finger or a thumb reduce force required to activate tool use tools with handles that fit the hand, e.g., use a smooth hand grip without hard ridges to space fingers ensure the handle of a tool does not create pressure points in the palm of the hand provide rubber or sponge-type grips on tool handles, be careful not to make handle too thick choose tools that can be used with the wrist in a neutral posture choose tools that are lighter and designed reduce hand torque and kickback support frequently-used tools on balancers or support arms ensure tools are balanced and do not require extra muscular effort to hold them in position provide tools that can be safely used by either left handed or right handed workers inspect and maintain tools regularly, ensure worn or damaged tools are fixed or replaced reduce the frequency of gripping through job enlargement or job rotation alternate hands whenever possible 7. Hand/Arm Vibration Ideas for Control Measures to Eliminate or Reduce Hazards Use high vibration tools (impact wrenches, chain saws, jack hammers, riveting hammers) for more than 30 minutes Use moderate vibration hand tools (grinders, sanders, jig saws) that typically have moderate vibration levels more than 2 hours keep tools well maintained / sharp to reduce vibration purchase tools with lower levels of vibration select the correct tool for the task required use vibration-absorbing padding on grips or handles, but be careful not to make handles too large evaluate if anti-vibration gloves would be appropriate break up tasks that involve vibration exposure with tasks that do not involve vibration 8. Repeated Impacts Ideas for Control Measures to Eliminate or Reduce Hazards use a tool, e.g., a rubber mallet, instead of the hand or knee select equipment that eliminates the need for repeated impacts use power stretchers for carpet installations provide workers with well-designed padded gloves / knee pads change fittings/parts/equipment to minimize the forces used with repeated impacts break up tasks that require repeated impacts with tasks that do not require impacts Page 6 of 6