Ergonomics and cumulative trauma disorders

Abstract

Chronic tendon and nerve disorders of the upper extremity, such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, are a common problem among persons who routinely perform hand-intensive work. This article summarizes the most commonly reported occupational risk factors: repetitiveness, forcefulness, certain postures, mechanical stresses, exposure to vibration, and exposure to low temperatures. It describes how to look for these factors and how to control them through the design of work equipment and procedures.