Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is another option for addressing ergonomics concerns, but should be implemented only after engineering controls and administrative and work practice controls have been considered. Such personal protective equipment includes anti-vibration gloves, elbow pads, shoulder pads, kneeling supports, and knee pads.

Anti-Vibration Gloves

Gloves with anti-vibration properties can reduce the vibration being transmitted to the worker's hands and arms from vibrating tools such as grinders, needle guns, and sanders. Having the correct size of work gloves is important both to ensure comfort and avoid unnecessary muscle fatigue that can result from gloves that are too small. In addition, make sure that the gloves do not dramatically increase the worker's grip diameter or diminish the worker's tactile sensitivity. Full-finger gloves provide the maximum protection from vibration.

Elbow Pads

Elbow pads can protect the elbow from contact stress, and can be useful when working in cramped spaces or leaning on the elbows, or both. Elbow pads should fit snugly but should not compromise blood circulation in the arm.

Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads can reduce contact stress when workers need to carry objects on the shoulder. Note that workers should carry items on their shoulders only when they cannot otherwise place the item on a cart or other transport device. Carrying heavy objects on the shoulder is not recommended because it causes excessive pressure to be applied over a small area.

Kneeling Supports

Kneeling supports are devices that distribute weight evenly on the knees. These supports can reduce knee strains by reducing pressure within the knee and preventing the knee from bending too far. When possible, work surfaces should be raised to minimize kneeling.

Knee Pads

Kneeling on one or both knees can cause contact stress on the bones and soft tissues of the knees, which in turn can reduce blood circulation and cause pinched nerves. Workers can wear knee pads to help reduce contact stress when kneeling on a hard surface.

Knee pads should fit snugly but should not compromise circulation to the lower leg. Be sure to replace knee pads when the cushion material becomes compacted. Also, be sure to select fire-resistant knee pads for workers who perform hot work.

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