s and other physical objects. 3.a work environment created by climate, lighting, noise, vibration, and other atmospheric qualities. Example;The interaction of these parameters determines the manner by which a task is performed and the physical demands of the task. For example, a 5' 10", 160-pound, male worker lifts a 35-pound cabinet from the floor by generating 600 pounds of force from the low back muscles.Work Risk FactorsCertain characteristics of the work setting have been associated with injury. These work characteristics are called risk factors and include: Task Physical Characteristics (primarily interaction between the worker and the work setting) Posture Force Velocity/acceleration Repetition Duration Recovery time Heavy dynamic exertion Segmental vibration. Environmental Characteristics (primarily interaction between the worker and the work environment) Heat stress Cold stress Whole body vibration Lighting Noise Other Workplace RisksThe risk factors addressed by industrial ergonomics are a partial list of hazards present in the work setting. Others include: Job stress Job invariability Cognitive demands Work organization Workload Working hours (shift work, overtime) Displays and control panels Slip and falls Fire Electrical exposures Chemical exposures Biological exposures Ionizing radiation Radiofrequency/microwave radiation. Examples of analytical tools include: RULA - Rapid Upper Limb Assessment - Assesses the risk of cumulative trauma disorder through posture, force, and muscle-use analysis. Repetitive Motion Evaluation - Analyzes posture, repetition, and discomfort to reveal the performance of high risk motions (Drury, 1987). Observation Analysis of the Hand and Wrist - Quantifies hand exertions associated with risk factors of pinch grip, high force, wrist flexion/extension/ulnar deviation, power tool exertion, and use of hand to strike object (Stetson et al., 1991). Utah Shoulder Moment Model - Evaluates the risk of shou...
