Reducing the risk of upper limb disorders (ULDs) in the workplace

Changes do not necessarily need to be expensive. Simple and low cost changes can often be effective:

• Try to consider risk when setting up new workstations. It is cheaper than redesigning them or purchasing more suitable tools at a later stage
• Tackle the serious risks or those that affect a large number of workers first
• Try to make the task and workstation suitable for each worker, rather than make the worker adapt to fit the task and workstation
• Test any changes on one or two workers before making changes for everyone

Reduce the impact of risk factors

Firstly, establish if it is possible to mechanise any of the tasks that pose a significant ULD risk.

Reducing repetition

• Break up work periods involving a lot of repetition with several short breaks instead of one break at lunchtime or mid-shift
• Allow for short, frequent pauses for very intensive work

Finding the right working position

• Design workplaces and equipment for workers of different sizes, build, strength and for left-handed workers
• Provide platforms, adjustable chairs and footrests, and tools with a suitable size grip
• Arrange the position and height and layout of the workstation so that it is appropriate for the work

Reducing the amount of force

• Reduce the weight of items, or the distance moved or slide them instead of lifting
• Ensure any handles and/or controls that are used are well maintained and easy to manipulate without requiring the application of unnecessary force
• Provide lightweight tools and, if not, a support, jig or counterbalance will help
• Ensure all tools are well maintained and implement a regular maintenance policy. Ensuring the right tools are used for the job can reduce the amount of force required to perform tasks

Reducing duration

• Share a high-risk task among a team by rotating workers between tasks (each task needs to be sufficiently different to benefit the worker)
• Allow workers to carry out more than one step of a process (job enlargement) this can reduce ULD risk exposure to one specific task (provided the steps do not have the same risks)
• Introduce short frequent breaks in the more risky activities (but not necessarily a rest)

Improving the working environment:

• Purchase low vibration tools to reduce potential hand-arm vibration (HAV) risks
• Make sure that the temperature is comfortable, and avoid putting workstations too near air vents
• Make sure that the lighting is good or provide a personal lamp
• Avoid reflections and glare by moving lights, providing blinds on windows, or moving workstations

Tackling the underlying effects of work or conditions

• Encourage teamwork, and provide good communication between workers and management
• Rotate workers between tasks to reduce boredom
• Watch the production speed to keep the workload reasonable
• Train workers so that they feel able to do the task
• Get the right balance for bonus schemes as such schemes could encourage workers to work beyond their natural limits
• Involve workers in decisions about them and their work

Visit the MSD case studies pages to see examples of how other employers have reduced the risks of ULDs.