REPETITIVE MOTION

THINGS TO LOOK FOR (be aware of):

• About one-third of all occupational injuries and illnesses stem from over exertion and/or repetitive motion.
• More than 100 different injuries can result from repetitive motions that produce wear and tear on the body.

REMEDIES:

• Engineering controls:

Engineering controls are physical changes to a job that reduce MSD hazards. Examples of engineering controls include changing or redesigning workstations, tools, facilities, equipment, materials, or processes.

• Work practice controls:

Work practice controls are changes in the way an employee performs the physical work activities of a job that reduce or control exposure to MSD hazards. Work practice controls involve procedures and methods for safe work. Examples of work practice controls for MSD hazards include:

(1) Use of neutral postures to perform tasks (straight wrists, lifting close to the body);
(2) Use of two-person lift teams;
(3) Observance of micro breaks.

• Administrative controls:

Administrative controls are changes in the way that work in a job is assigned or scheduled that reduce the magnitude, frequency or duration of exposure to ergonomic risk factors. Examples of administrative controls for MSD hazards include:

(1) Employee rotation;
(2) Job task enlargement;
(3) Alternative tasks;
(4) Employer-authorized changes in work pace.

• Personal protective equipment:

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment employees wear that provides a protective barrier between the employee and an MSD hazard. Examples of PPE are vibration-reduction gloves and carpet layer's knee pads.