Hand-intensive Work Solutions

Materials- changing the type of materials used when completing this kind of work may be the best option to reduce the amount of strain on your hands and wrists. For example, lock nuts or button nuts can reduce hand and arm twisting and turning. However, these types of solutions require approval of the engineer, building owner, or general contractor and are often not an employee-level decision.

Work Rules- employers can require that workers take mandatory rest breaks after working a set amount of time on hand-intensive work. They can also mandate the use of ergonomic hand tools and require ergonomic training.

Tools- a number of tools have been designed using ergonomic principles and are available for most hand-intensive tasks. These tools include:

• Power tools that replace manual tools for the same task, such as power caulking guns
• Compression foam wrappers for handles to improve grip
• Hand tools with power-grip modifications like offset handles
• Easy-hold gloves for gripping drywall mud pans
• Reduced-vibration tools and anti-vibration gloves

To learn more about Construction Ergonomics visit our Construction Ergonomics Online Training web page.