Cumulative Trauma Disorders ( CTD ) - Risk Factors And Controls

CTD Risk Factors

• Repetitive motion (above 1000 times per shift)
• Forceful exertions
• Non-neutral posture
• Mechanical stress
• Cold
• Vibration
• Gloves
• Tool sizing

FORCE + REPETITION + POSTURE + NO REST = CTD

CTD Prevention
Practices and methods to help reduce occurrence of CTDs

• Alter tools
• Move the part
• Keep cutting edges sharp
• Power with motors
• Use jigs, clamps
• Cylindrical handles
• Use levers, not finger push buttons
• Increase number of different job tasks
• Automate
• Workstation designed as adjustable
• Place tools/materials between shoulder and waist
• Rounded/padded edges to rest elbow/forearm
• Ergonomic adjustable chairs
• Use jigs/fixtures to hold piece
• Allow rest breaks
• Bend tool, not the wrist
• Keep tool weight low
• Tool grip proper size and shape
• Handle length minimum of 4 inches
• Spring loaded pliers and scissors
• Provide large triggers
• Non-porous, non-slip, non-conductive tool handles
• Use power grip when possible
• Protect from heat, cold and vibration
• Rotate jobs
• Require rest breaks
• Develop exercise programs
• Train employees
• Medical monitoring

Back Injury Risk Factors

• Weight of load (maximum of 51lbs.)
• Location of load (above/below 30 inches)
• Frequency of life (50 or more times per hour)
• Distance of load from body
• Twisting
• Lack of handles
• Carrying distance
• Static exertion
• Vibration
• Sudden, jerky lift
• Temperature extremes
• Slippery floor/shoes
• Cramped work area
• Push/pulls requiring large force to start

Back Injury Prevention
Practices and methods to help reduce occurrence of back injury

• Reduce weight in container
• Reduce weight of container
• Reduce size of container
• Change shape of container or object
• Provide grips or handles
• Life tables
• Use lift trucks
• Cranes and hoists
• Drum and barrel dumpers
• Table and proper height (hands at 30 inches)
• Elevated conveyors
• Gravity dump systems
• Vacuum systems
• Increase weight beyond ability to lift manually
• Hand trucks
• Caster ball tables
• Wheeled carts
• Level flooring
• Relocate shipping/receiving/storage area
• Reorganize production process steps
• Ramps sloped less than 10%
• Push (don’t pull) when possible
• Variable height handles

XL Environmental • Risk Control Division • 520 Eagleview Boulevard, PO Box 636, Exton, PA 19341 • Phone: 800-327-1414 • Fax: 610-458-7285 • xlenvironmental.com

XL Environmental is a division of XL Specialty Insurance Company.