eTools Home :Electrical Contractors Additional References | Glossary | Credits
Ergonomics eTool: Solutions for Electrical Contractors
                   Materials Handling | Installation & Repair | Prefabrication | Supplemental Info.
Materials Handling
Installation & Repair
Prefabrication
Bending Conduit
Cutting and Spooling Wire
Welding
Assembly Tasks
Supplemental Info.

 

 
Welding in the controlled environment of a prefabrication shop rather than on-site makes it easier to control workplace risk factors. However, ergonomics-related issues such as size and positioning of work object, still remain.
 Employee welding

Static and Awkward Postures
Potential Hazards:
Bending while welding
Figure 1
Bending while welding.
Adjustable-height table
Figure 2
Adjustable-height table.
 
Using a jig allows employee to use both hands to control tool and maintain neutral hand position.
Figure 3
Using a jig allows employee to use
both hands to control tool
and maintain neutral hand position.
Anti-fatigue mat
Figure 4
Anti-fatigue mat.
  • Employees frequently may assume awkward or static postures (Figure 1) for extended periods of time while welding.
     
  • Finishing a full weld may require a welder to bend or lean over the work piece, or reach overhead for several minutes. This may fatigue the low back and shoulders, especially since they support the welder's weight and the weight of the helmet, apron, and gloves.

  • Employees may spend extended periods of time standing or kneeling on hard cement floors. The prolonged standing may cause lower extremity discomfort, pain and fatigue as well as disorders of the back and low back pain. Kneeling causes contact stress and may result in injuries to the knees.
Possible Solutions:
  • Provide height-adjustable tables (Figure 2) and jigs (Figure 3) that hold the piece in a position enabling employees to maintain neutral postures.

  • Provide anti-fatigue mats (Figure 4) and shoe inserts that may help reduce fatigue and discomfort caused by prolonged standing on hard floor surfaces. These mats help distribute the pressure from a hard floor evenly to the feet and may improve circulation.

  • Pre-plan welding jobs to minimize awkward postures.
     
  • Do not conduct welding on the ground or floor.

  • Avoid kneeling. Use low stools instead.

  • When kneeling is required, wear kneepads.
     
  • When purchasing new personal protective equipment, consider the weight of items such as helmets, aprons, and jackets to reduce the load that must be supported if employees must bend neck or trunk to perform tasks.
     
  • Provide a stand and hoist to get welding material to appropriate height to eliminate awkward postures.
     
  • Use adjustable rotator stands such as a retrofitted air or hydraulic lift package to better maintain a neutral posture while welding.
eTools Home :Electrical Contractors Additional References | Glossary | Credits