Reducing Risk Factors
There are many factors to consider when designing tools, equipment, and work stations to reduce risk factors. We'll discuss a number of these design considerations in the next few sections.
Lifting and lowering boxes are examples of work activities that exert force on the body.
Required Force
Forcefulness is the amount of physical effort required by the person to do a task and/or maintain control of tools and equipment. The effort depends on:
- Tool weight: Heavy tools can increase the force required to use them, which can lead to fatigue and injury over time.
- Poor tool design: Tools that are poorly designed can require excessive force to operate, causing fatigue and increasing the risk of injury.
- Awkward postures: Working in awkward postures, such as bending or reaching, can increase the force required to perform a task and increase the risk of injury.
- Type of activity: Activities that require a lot of force or repetitive motions, such as hammering or drilling, can increase the force required when handling tools.
- Tool handle size and shape: If the tool handle is too small or too large for the user's hand, or if it is shaped in a way that is uncomfortable to grip, it can increase the force required to handle the tool.
- Slipperiness: Tools or surfaces that are slippery can increase the force required to maintain a grip and control the tool. This can happen if the tool handle is wet, oily, or covered in dust.
- Temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect the force required to handle tools. Cold temperatures can make the tool handle harder and more difficult to grip, while hot temperatures can cause sweating, making the tool handle slippery and difficult to control.
- Tool grip size: Tools with grips that are too large or too small can make it difficult to maintain a secure grip and may increase the force required to use them.
- Tool vibration: Tools that vibrate excessively can cause muscle fatigue and increase the force required to use them, which can increase the risk of injury.
- Insufficient breaks: Working for extended periods without breaks can lead to muscle fatigue and increase the force required to perform a task.
- Repetitive tasks: Performing the same task repeatedly can lead to muscle fatigue and increase the force required to perform the task over time.
Examples of work activities that exert force on the body include lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, pinching, pounding, hitting, and jumping.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-2. The amount of physical effort required by the person to do a task and/or maintain control of tools and equipment is called _____.
You forgot to answer the question!