November 15, 2004—A new publication by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Cal/OSHA Consultation Service provides easy-to-use guidance for evaluating and selecting non-powered hand tools to reduce risks of job-related disorders from repetitive movements.
“Easy Ergonomics: A Guide to Selecting Non-Powered Hand Tools” includes user-friendly, illustrated discussions of factors to assess in choosing tools, and a checklist for comparing tools and making a selection.
The document is designed to help employers and employees evaluate different non-powered hand tools to identify those that can be used effectively with less force, less repeated movement, and less awkward positioning of the body for a given task. By selecting a hammer, screwdriver, wrench, or other type of hand tool that meets such design and performance criteria, the risk of musculoskeletal injury can be reduced.
“Easy Ergonomics: A Guide to Selecting Non-Powered Hand Tools,” DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-164, is available on the NIOSH Web site or by calling NIOSH at 800/35-NIOSH (800/356-4674). For additional NIOSH findings and recommendations for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, visit the NIOSH Topic page on Ergonomics.
