Page 178 - IGC BOOK

The Factors Giving Rise to Ill-Health Conditions

Risk factors can be thought of as task, environment, or worker-related within an ergonomic
approach.

The WRULD Risk factors are

• Task
• Environmental
• Equipment

Task

Repetition – the need to do repetitive movements to be performed for prolonged period while
carrying out the task.

Force

Use of physical force can be applied to the muscles, tendons, nerves and joints by handling
heavy objects while performing tasks. vibrating tools or equipment: as operators need to use
increased grip force in working with vibrating equipment.

Posture

Using a party of the body beyond its neutral position, e.g. repairing equipment or accessing
objects from a rack their shoulders are far from the neutral position.

Twisting

Twisting hands or wrist when performing a task e.g. twisting wrist when using spanners to
remove a screw.

Rest

The worker undertaking the task without having sufficient rest period, e.g. workers in a packing
section cannot stop the work for rest, even they are fatigue due to continuous work schedule.

Equipment Factors

Equipment design – the size and shape of the equipment, workers have no choice to select the
type of tool or equipment provided. Equipment or tool may produce noise, vibration.
Equipment adjustability – an option for the user to adjust the equipment to suit their personal
needs. (adjusting machinery control panel to their seating level).

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 6 – Musculoskeletal 2
Health