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623 Healthcare: Preventing Ergonomic Injuries
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Using Hand Tools

Limit strains and sprains of the wrists, arms, and shoulders, of maintenance workers by choosing hand tools carefully. Hand tools should:

  • be properly designed, and fit to the user;
  • have padded non-slip handles;
  • have ergonomic handles that allow the wrist to remain straight;
Choose tools carefully to prevent strains and sprains.
  • have minimal tool weight;
  • have minimal vibration;
  • have trigger bars rather than single finger triggers; and
  • not be used when performing highly repetitive manual motions by hand. Use power tools instead.

For more guidelines on safe hand tool use the CDC's Easy Ergonomics: A Guide to Selecting Non-Powered Hand Tools.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-5. When using hand tools, how can you limit strains and sprains of the wrist, arm, or shoulder?