Position Papers
Since August 2007, CRE-MSD has commissioned position papers to address issues of importance to our stakeholders concerning the prevention of MSD. Position papers summarize and sythesize new information on controversial, topical or important issues in the prevention of MSDs. if you have suggesions for further topics, please contact Richard Wells at wells@uwaterloo.ca.

2008

Glove selection to minimize fatigue and maximize capability
Gloves are used in many settings for many purposes. Rubber gloves protect the hands and forearms from chemicals. Anti-vibration gloves reduce the transmission of vibration. Latex examination and surgical gloves prevent transmission of pathogens. But the very properties of gloves that help to protect our hands, also affect our ability to perform manual work. For example, powerline maintainers’ gloves protect them from high voltage but the gloves are thick and stiff, making it more difficult to perform required tasks, increase fatigue and potentially increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs. View Paper
Musculoskeletal Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)
In progress

Factors Affecting Whole-Body Vibration in TransportationIn progress

Do Mechanical Lift Assist Devices Reduce the Risk of Injury in Health Care Facilities?
In progress

Whole-Body Vibration: How Risk Assessments Can be Influenced by the Standards UsedIn progress

Improving Participatory Ergonomic Interventions by Understanding Their Social and Political Dynamics
In progress


2007

Overhead Work: Evidence-Driven Job Design and Evaluation Performing overhead work may cause or worsen work-related shoulder disorders. In the last 10 years, shoulder disorders have accounted for about 5700 claims/year in Ontario. Rotator cuff injuries, strains, tendonitis and impingement are common injuries associated with overhead work. Yet, it can be difficult from a financial and organizational standpoint to eliminate all overhead work. Despite this reality, careful job design and evaluation can help to lower risks associated with overhead work. The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence-based recommendations for designing and evaluating overhead work. View Paper

Cumulative Loading: Implications and Background for Low Back Pain Assessments
Ergonomic assessments examining only a single or representative lift are unlikely to capture all aspects of a job to yield an accurate assessment of injury risk. Ergonomists, health and safety representatives, and workers are already well aware of the dangers of lifting objects that are too heavy. Excessively heavy lifts can lead to the occurrence of low back pain or injury. For this reason, workplaces have been removing these heavy lifting situations, often replacing them with lighter lifts that have to be performed more frequently. The result is that over time, a worker may experience fatigue, pain or injury in their low back.
View Paper

Stability Balls Stability balls should not used as an alternative to the standard office chair since the device itself, in the absence of other physical training and workstation interventions, does not seem to provide any inherent benefits to the end user. It may increase the risk of developing low back discomfort and may increase the risk of sustaining an injury.
View Paper