Hand Tools Safe Practices
General recommended safe practices for hand tool use, developed as part of the Upholstered Furniture Industry Health & Safety Guide

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Safe PracticeYear:
Source:Industrial Accident Prevention AssociationView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Portable Electric Tools Safe Practices
General recommended safe practices for portable electric tools use, developed as part of the Upholstered Furniture Industry Health & Safety Guide

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Safe PracticeYear:
Source:Industrial Accident Prevention AssociationView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Easy Ergonomics: A Guide to Selecting Non-Powered Hand Tools
An easy to use guideline for selecting or purchasing the best available ergonomically designed non-powered hand tools. A checklist is provided to make it easy to evaluate the ergonomic design features of a specific hand tool or to compare two different hand tools.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:GuidelineYear:2004
Source:National Institute of Occupational Safety & HealthView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Best practices for animal handling and stunning
Dr. Temple Grandin identifies a list of best practices in animal handling and stunning.

MSD Job Title/Task:Shiftwork
Topic:Design - Tools Manual Materials Handling
Document Type:Researched Best PracticeYear:2000
Source:Dr. Temple GrandinView Source Details
Location: Ontario

TMW - Tools for modified work
This website presents readers with a guide and tools to modified work. This guide may be useful to trainers and other professionals who help companies set up and implement return-to-work programs

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:GuidelineYear:2005
Source:Direction de santé publique de Montréal View Source Details
Location: Quebec

Reducing Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Promoting Return-To-Work Through the Use of Rebar Tying Machines
See results of research on reducing the risk of MSDs and promoting return to work through the use of rebar tying machines.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Researched Best PracticeYear:2005
Source:The Workplace Safety & Insurance BoardView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Ergonomic & Hygiene Interventions To Improve Health & Safety Of Drywall Finishing Workers
Ergonomic & Hygiene Interventions To Improve Health & Safety Of Drywall Finishing Workers. Plain language summary of evaluation of two ergonomic solutions, a pneumatic drywall finishing machine and mechanical drywall sanding machine.

MSD Job Title/Task:Drywall Finishing
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Fact sheetYear:2004
Source:Construction Safety Association of OntarioView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Evaluation of Masonry Trowel Sizes on Risk of Hand Injuries
Evaluation of Masonry Trowel Sizes on Risk of Hand Injuries. Experiment to investigate the impact of masonry trowel size on wrist postures and forces.

MSD Job Title/Task:Masonry Bricklayer
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Fact sheetYear:2002
Source:Construction Safety Association of OntarioView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Rebar-Tying Machines: An Effective Way to Reduce Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI)
Rebar-Tying Machines: An Effective Way to Reduce Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI). Results of this study indicate that rebar-tying machines can have a positive benefit in preventing musculoskeletal injuries of the upper limbs by reducing the grip forces and number of hand repetitions.

MSD Job Title/Task:Rebar-Tying
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Fact sheetYear:2001
Source:Construction Safety Association of OntarioView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Rebar-Tying Machines Part 2: An Effective Way to Reduce Low Back Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI)
Rebar-Tying Machines Part 2: An Effective Way to Reduce Low Back Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI). Part 2 of the study into the use of rebar-tying machines indicates decrease risk of back injury by reducing static bending of the trunk.

MSD Job Title/Task:Rebar-Tying
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Fact sheetYear:2003
Source:Construction Safety Association of OntarioView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Replacing Manual Powered Cutter with Battery Powered Cutters
Replacing Manual Powered Cutter with Battery Powered Cutters. This industry 'best practice' reviews research that identified the control of MSD risks by substituting battery powered cutters.

MSD Job Title/Task:Line Worker Line Cutters
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:ArticleYear:
Source:Electrical & Utilities Safety AssociationView Source Details
Location: Ontario

A Health and Safety Guide for Your Workplace: Portable Electric Tools
A Health and Safety Guide for Your Workplace: Portable Electric Tools. This guideline discusses safe use of portable electric tools, what should be included in a training program, proper maintenance, relevant legislation and offers a list of do's and don'ts. Inspection checklist is provided. Covers tool selection for improved wrist posture.

MSD Job Title/Task:Portable electric hand tool use
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:GuidelineYear:2006
Source:Industrial Accident Prevention AssociationView Source Details
Location: Ontario

A Health and Safety Guideline for Your Workplace: Air Powered Hand Tools
A Health and Safety Guideline for Your Workplace: Air Powered Hand Tools. Identifies potential hazards associated with the use of air powered hand tools and outlines ergonomic considerations to address these hazards.

MSD Job Title/Task:Air-powered hand tool use
Topic:Design - Tools Vibration
Document Type:GuidelineYear:2006
Source:Industrial Accident Prevention AssociationView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Hand Tools
Hand Tools: Hazard Training. This program links the hazards and risk factors associated with the design and use of hand tools with specific injuries. Outlines practical tools for recognizing, assessing and implementing controls.

MSD Job Title/Task:Hand Tools
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Training SessionYear:
Source:Workers Health & Safety CentreView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Work Design
Work Design: Hazard Training. This program looks at the factors responsible for the development of MSIs. Hazard recognition and assessment tools are reviewed as are ergonomic principles for designing or modifying work to control these hazards.

MSD Job Title/Task: General
Topic:Design - Task Design - Workstation Design - Tools MSD Prevention
Document Type:Training sessionYear:
Source:Workers Health & Safety CentreView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers - Tip Sheet #19: Sheers for cutting sheet metal.
This tip sheet provides information on specially designed sheers that can reduce to the risk of MSD's when cutting sheet metal. It also provides information on the approximate cost of implementing the intervention discussed.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Design - Tools Manual Materials Handling
Document Type:Year:2007
Source:NIOSHView Source Details
Location:

Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers - Tip Sheet #2: Motarized Concrete Screeds
This tip sheet provides information on the hazards involved with screeding concrete and discusses the use of a motorized screed as a control option to the hazards presented. Cost information is also provided.

MSD Job Title/Task: Masonry
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:2007
Source:NIOSHView Source Details
Location:

Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers - Tip Sheet #3 : Rebar-Tying tools
This tip sheet provides information on the hazards involved with rebar-tying and discusses the use of a rebar-tying tool. Cost information is also provided.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:2007
Source:NIOSHView Source Details
Location:

Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers - Tip Sheet #8: Spring-Assisted Drywall Finishing Tools
his tip sheet provides information on the hazards involved with drywall finishing and looks at how spring-assisted tools can reduce the risk of MSD's. It also provides the approximate cost for these tools.

MSD Job Title/Task:Drywall Finishing
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:2007
Source:NIOSHView Source Details
Location:

Farmwise: your essential guide to health and safety in agriculture
This guidebook provides an overview on all types of health and safety issues in agriculture. Specifically, It contains sections which focus on health a safety concerns involving noise and vibration, as well as manual handling and musculoskeletal problems.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Back Care Design - Tools Design - Workstation Manual Materials Handling Vibration MSD Prevention
Document Type:Year:
Source:HSEView Source Details
Location:

Solutions for Electrical Contractors - Installation and Repair: Connecting and Fastening
This E-tool presents several hazards associated with connecting and fastening wires and other electrical devices. Controls such as using tools that are more appropriate for the job and avoiding tools that cause discomfort are presented in order to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

MSD Job Title/Task:Electrical Skilled Trades
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:
Source:OSHAView Source Details
Location:

Solutions for Electrical Contractors - Installation and Repair: Using Tools
This E-tool presents several hazards associated with the use of a variety of tools by electrical contractors. It provides information on what to consider for when selecting hand tools and power tools, as well as information on the use of a mobile tool box versus a tool bag or belt. In addition this e-tool provides recommendations on how to reduce the risk of MSD's when bending and cutting conduit and drilling holes.

MSD Job Title/Task:Electrical Skilled Trades
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:
Source:OSHAView Source Details
Location:

Solutions for Electrical Contractors -Prefabrication: Assembly Task
This E-tool focuses on the hazards caused by health and safety issues such as poorly designed workstations, hand intensive repetitive tasks, and static postures. It also provides solutions to these hazards such as adjustable chairs and work surfaces, power tools, anti-fatigue maps.

MSD Job Title/Task:Electrical Skilled Trades
Topic:Design - Tools Driving
Document Type:Year:
Source:OSHAView Source Details
Location:

Sewing and Related Procedures Ergonomics - Scissors
This E-tool focuses on the musculoskeletal hazards associated with scissor work. This e-tools covers the MSD hazards and workplace solutions for issues regarding scissor work such as hand postures, arm and back posture, and repitition.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Design - Tools Manual Materials Handling
Document Type:Year:
Source:OSHAView Source Details
Location:

Ergonomic Tip Sheets for Concrete Construction: Concrete Trowel Handles
This tipsheet takes a look at the design of concrete trowel handles and how to modify trowel handles to reduce the risk of overuse injuries to the hand or arm.

MSD Job Title/Task:Masonry
Topic:Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:
Source:LHSFNAView Source Details
Location:

Ergonomic Tip Sheets for Concrete Construction: Concrete Screeding – Roller Screed
This tipsheet looks that concrete screeding at the musculoskeletal disoroders that can result from it. To reduce the risk of MSD's, this tipsheet suggests using roller screeds.

MSD Job Title/Task:Masonry
Topic:Design - Tools MSD Prevention
Document Type:Year:
Source:LHSFNAView Source Details
Location:

Ergonomic Tip Sheets for Concrete Construction: Concrete Screeding – Motorized Screed
This tipsheet looks that concrete screeding at the musculoskeletal disoroders that can result from it. To reduce the risk of MSD's, this tipsheet suggests using motarized screeds.

MSD Job Title/Task:Masonry
Topic:Design - Tools MSD Prevention
Document Type:Year:
Source:LHSFNAView Source Details
Location:

Pavement Breaker Operators: Prevent Back, Wrist, Neck, and Shoulder Injuries
This leaflet looks at the musculoskeletal hazards that pavement breaking operators face, and presents the hinge mounted rod as well as proper lifting techniques as interventions that can reduce the risk of MSD's.

MSD Job Title/Task:Roadway Work
Topic:Design - Tools MSD Prevention
Document Type:Year:
Source:Cal/DHSView Source Details
Location:

MSI PREVENTION BULLETIN 5: Floor Mopping
This Bulletin focuses on specific floor mopping tasks that put custodians at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. It provides MSD hazards and solutions to tasks such as clearing the area to be mopped, wet mopping the floor area, wringing out the mop, and emptying the mop bucket.

MSD Job Title/Task:Custodian/Housekeeping Housekeeping
Topic:Design - Tools Design - Task MSD Prevention
Document Type:Year:
Source:WorkSafeBC / Workers Compensation Board of British ColumbiaView Source Details
Location: British Columbia

Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Masonry Trade
Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Masonry Trade. An analysis of high risk activities within the masonry trade which cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders, primarily to the lower back and shoulders/arms. The study recommends development of information and best practices related to work pacing, tools and equipment.

MSD Job Title/Task:Masonry
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools Design - Task
Document Type:Fact sheetYear:1999
Source:Construction Safety Association of OntarioView Source Details
Location: Ontario

OSACH Planning Guide: Implementation of Client Mechanical Lifts
OSACH Planning Guide: Implementation of Client Mechanical Lifts. This document is intended to guide organizations in their selection and installation of client mechanical lifts. It provides information to assist in the development of an action plan and implementation strategy to establish a safe client handling program for staff and clients.

MSD Job Title/Task:Client Handling
Topic:Client Handling Design - Tools MSD Prevention
Document Type:GuidelineYear:2006
Source:Ontario Safety Association for Community and HealthcareView Source Details
Location: Ontario

Ergonomic Survival Guide for Laborers
This leaflet provides information on how laborers can reduce the risk of musculo-skeletal disorders such as back pains, contact stress, and other injuries due to awkward posture. To reduce the risk of MSD's this leaflet looks at solutions such as selecting the right tool, proper shoveling technique, and proper lifting techniques.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:
Source:Cal/OSHAView Source Details
Location:

Preventing Injuries from Installing Drywall
This Factsheet looks at what causes injuries to workers installing drywall. It makes recommendations on how workers installing drywall can reduce the risk of MSD's such as having drywall sheets transported to a location close to the area where it is being installed, using PVC dot-style gloves to reduce grip force, and using proper manual handling techniques.

MSD Job Title/Task:Drywall Finishing
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:2006
Source:NIOSHView Source Details
Location:

Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers - Tip Sheet #12: Skid Plates to Move Concrete Hoses
This tip sheet provides information on the hazards involved with handling concrete hoses and looks at how using skid plates to move concrete-filled hoses can reduce the risk of MSD's. It also provides information on the approximate cost of implementing the intervention discussed.

MSD Job Title/Task: Masonry
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:2007
Source:NIOSHView Source Details
Location:

Preventing Injuries to Room Attendants
This pamphlet contains information on repetitive work combined with awkard posture and poor lifting technique can put room attendants at risk of suffereing musculoskeletal injuries and provides tips on reducing awkward postures, and proper lifting techniques in order to reduce the risk of MSD's.

MSD Job Title/Task:Housekeeping
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:
Source:Worksafe BCView Source Details
Location: British Columbia

Roll cages and wheeled rack in the food and frink industries: Reducing manual handling injuries
This factsheet looks at how the use of rolled cages and wheeled racks in storing and transporting foods and beverages can lead the musculo-skeletal disorders. In addition this factsheet also provides recommendations regarding changes in the design of roll cages and wheeled racks as well as changes in work pratices regarding the use of such equipment.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:2001
Source:HSEView Source Details
Location:

Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography
This factsheet provides information on how sonographers can be at risk of development musculo-skeletal disorders. It also presents an investigation at a hospital antenatal unit which looked at the causes of MSD's for sonographers. It also recommends several changes in equipment, workpractices, and scheduling of exams which can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:MSD Prevention Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:2006
Source:NIOSHView Source Details
Location:

Success with Ergonomics: Transport Cutting Dies with Hand Truck
This article looks at MSD hazards involved in transporting cutting dies and takes a look at a how a modified hand cart which was utilized by an AF&PA member company successfully reduced the risk of MSD's.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:2006
Source:AF & PAView Source Details
Location:

Ergonomic Problems and Solutions: Pharmaceuticals - Pipettes and Syringes - good design and safe use
This e-tool takes an extensive look at the use of pipettes and syringes in the pharmaceutical industry. It outlines what to look for when selecting pipettes while keeping ergonomics in mind. It also takes a look at work related musculoskeletal hazards when handling pipettes and syringes and provides several solutions to the MSD hazards presented.

MSD Job Title/Task:Laboratory Worker
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Task Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:2007
Source:HSEView Source Details
Location:

Guideline for Manually Handled Containers
Current packaging and containerization are an ergonomic concern and major expense to automotive manufacturers, designers and suppliers. This new guideline will provide a common approach to container design based on sound ergonomic practices and principles accounting for manual tasks, such as pushing/pulling, lifting/lowering and carrying packages and containers.

MSD Job Title/Task:
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:2005
Source:AIAGView Source Details
Location:

MSI PREVENTION BULLETIN 4: Room Cleaning in Health Care
This Bulletin focuses on specific tasks associated with room cleaning that put room attendants at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. It provides MSD hazards and solutions to tasks such as cleaning the toilet, cleaning horizontal and vertical surfaces, and handling garbage.

MSD Job Title/Task:Custodian/Housekeeping
Topic:MSD Prevention Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:
Source:WorkSafeBC / Workers Compensation Board of British ColumbiaView Source Details
Location: British Columbia

MSI PREVENTION BULLETIN 7: Floor Cleaning Machines
This Bulletin focuses on the use of specific floor cleaning machines and how they may contribute to the risk of custodians and housekeepers developing musculoskeletal disorders. It provides MSD hazards and solutions to tasks involving the use of vacuum cleaners, and polishers/floor scrubers.

MSD Job Title/Task:Custodian Housekeeping
Topic:Design - Task Design - Tools MSD Prevention
Document Type:Year:
Source:WorkSafeBC / Workers Compensation Board of British ColumbiaView Source Details
Location: British Columbia

MSI PREVENTION BULLETIN 8: Laundry in Health Care Facilities
This Bulletin focuses on specific laundry related tasks that put housekeeping workers at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. It provides MSD hazards and solutions to tasks such as receiving and weighing laundry, sorting soiled linen, loading and unloading washing machines and dryers, folding and handling laundry, and handling laundry chemicals.

MSD Job Title/Task:Laundry Housekeeping
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools MSD Prevention
Document Type:Year:
Source:WorkSafeBC / Workers Compensation Board of British ColumbiaView Source Details
Location: British Columbia

MSI Prevention Bulletin 6: Tree Planting
This Bulletin focuses on specific tasks associated with tree planting which put tree planters at a high risk of suffering musculoskeletal disorders. It provides MSD hazards and solutions for tasks such as digging with a shovel, carrying seed bags, planting seeds, and reaching into the seed bags.

MSD Job Title/Task:Tree Planting
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:
Source:WorkSafeBC / Workers Compensation Board of British ColumbiaView Source Details
Location: British Columbia

Working Safer and Easier: For Janitors, Custodians, and Housekeepers (Guidebook)
This guidebook produced by the California Occupational Safety and Health Association concerns heath and safety issues that janitors, custodians, and housekeepers face. It provides some general information on workplace hazards and how to prevent them as well as some specific information on hazards and solutions concerning specific tasks such as moving barrels/carts, emptying office trash cans, lifting garbage from a barrel, dumping trash bags, etc...

MSD Job Title/Task:Custodian
Topic:Manual Materials Handling Design - Tools
Document Type:Year:
Source:Cal/OSHAView Source Details
Location: