Main risk factors for employee in workstation

The main risk factors associated with sharp edges on a desk or work bench is the possible injury due to contact stress. This can result from the constant, repeated or even sporadic contact between a sensitive part of the body against a sharp or hard edge such as the edge on a work bench. The pressure created over a small part of the body can affect others such as blood flow, muscle movement, tendons and nerves (Reese, 2016).One of the most popular ergonomic injuries known is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; this disease is created by the constant direct pressure to soft tissues in the wrist, in most cases by resting the writs on the sharp edge of a desk or work bench. The Carpal Tunnel in a space in the human wrist where tendons and nerves pass from the forearm to the hand, and due to contact stress and pressure these tendons and nerves can be compressed or strained and caused possible discomfort and even pain

A Pneumatic impact wrench tool is likely to subject the user into several ergonomic hazards that include numbness, nerve issues, and musculoskeletal pain. Other hazards that are related to the pneumatic impact wrench include wrist and hand injuries, probable electrical injuries due to electrocution in case the tool is faulty, and exposure to dust. Nevertheless, the most serious possible ergonomic hazard is the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). To protect workers using pneumatic impact wrenches from WMSDs the ergonomics team should ensure that the wrench is ergonomically designed to assist in reducing injuries, fatigue and in enhancing the general tool efficiency. Some of the design aspect to check on includes handle length which should be long enough to enhance proper grip. The hand should not be smooth; it should have some curves or roughness to enhance the grip. The tool diameter should match the users hand size to ensure that one can grip the tool easily and comfortably with one hand. The tool should be light enough to be held by the hand for a length time.

There are several things that an employee can do to reduce the strain and pains that are the onset to back pain from being in the seated position at work for long periods of time. The workstation must be made more ergonomically sound for the employee so that the stresses on the body can be reduced. The workstation, as a whole, needs to be looked at and includes the chair and table height, the floor, the style of shoes the individual wears, the frequency of breaks all the way to how the individuals computer is set up on their desk. Back supports are made specifically for those who work long hours and do it from a desk. This helps to maintain proper posture while at work. Proper posture is necessary as this reduces the strain in the lower back muscles that reduces fatigue. Further, comfortable footwear and proper height of the chair will ensure that the feet are on the ground in proper alignment. The use of a workout ball has also been used for short periods of time. This activates and makes the employee focus on the usage of core muscles rather than back muscles. Frequent breaks to stand up and stretch are also necessary. This will get the employee out of the position that they are maintaining and allow the muscles to reset and adjust.