Professional Documents
Culture Documents
By Nature of Injury
Other
13%
be caused by
hazardous WMSD
exposures.
WA State-funded compensable
claims 1994-2004
Welders, Cutters, Solderers
By Body Part
Other Back/Neck/
15% Shoulder
The back, neck and 28%
Preventive efforts
Welding is a strenuous occupation involving
should therefore focus work in awkward postures and handling
on those body parts heavy equipment, usually with a high degree
of sustained stress to arm and shoulders.
among welders at your
workplace.
Consequences of a poor
working environment
Repetition
– High work intensity
Hazard Elements
Working in Working at
front ground level,
precision work
Working at Working at
ground ground level,
level confined space
Torso twisting
Kneeling, squatting
Bent wrists
Neck flexion/extension
Use:
• Manipulators
• Lighter weight
welding equipment
• Lighter weight cables
with low stiffness
• Cable supporting
balancers
• Overhead hoists
• Lifting and turning
tables
Awkward Postures
Pre-assembly and
material handling
equipment helps reduce
unnecessary lifting or
any other kind of
manual material
handling
Ergonomic improvements
Welding leads on
pulleys help reduce
heavy and awkward
lifting, and minimize
static postures.
Ergonomic improvements
Robotic automation is a
feasible solution to
highly repetitive motion
with the arms and
hands. May also reduce
the exposure to fumes.
Possible Consequences
Not implementing
some or all these
ergonomics guidelines
may result in the
following…
Work-related musculoskeletal
disorders
They are cumulative (occur over
time and not a result of a single incident):
•Broken bones
•Cuts
•Slips
•Falls
•Trips
•Motor vehicle accidents
•Being struck by or
caught with objects
Common disorders among
welders
Back injuries
Shoulder pain/loss of range of motion
Tendinitis/Bursitis
Reduced muscle strength
Carpal tunnel syndrome
White finger
Knee joint diseases
The Ergonomics Cycle
ManagementEmployee
Support Involvement
SHARP Program
Easy Ergonomics. A practical approach for improving the workplace OR OSHA & CAL
OSHA Services. www.cbs.state.or.us/osha/pdf/pubs/3347.pdf
Ideas to reduce hazardous exposures can be found at the Ergonomics Ideas Bank