Any repetitive motion can lead to fatigue and injuries. Examples such as tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and “Tommy John” surgeries are proof that recurrent movement takes a toll on the body.
This is especially true for aviation maintenance technicians who work with fine tools for long periods of time. Persistent and precise movements can cause pain and fatigue, often leading to injury. These cumulative trauma injuries can result in missed work and work-related disability claims, as well as compromise worker safety.
According to an overview from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time.1
A report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor states that of all occupational injuries at work, 17.3% include pain, tendonitis, and injury due to repetitious movement.2 These injuries aren’t limited to gender and age – workers between 20 and 65 years old are all affected.
An OSHA online injury calculator indicates that one worker diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome can cost approximately $65,000 in lost time and claims.3 When multiple workers are in an unsuitable environment or do not have proper ergonomic equipment, those costs can rise significantly.
If an aviation maintenance tool isn’t designed to move the force from the operator to the area of operation and doesn’t help reduce the cumulative trauma to the operator, it is not ergonomic.
The bottom line is that a lack of proper tool ergonomics can result in fatigue, injury, and lost work time, as well as lower the quality of life for the person who is injured. This can also cause an increase in disability claims, causing financial repercussions.
Science helps science
Tool ergonomics is an applied science concerned with designing instruments so that people and things interact efficiently and safely. Ergonomic advances occur through scientific research.
Advances in everything from construction and technology to automobiles and aviation happen through scientific research and analysis. In fact, you are currently reading a publication that employs science to better understand its audience, establish timely topics, and disseminate content. It doesn’t happen by accident.
This particularly applies to aviation tools. It’s only through research, analysis, and testing that proper ergonomics is developed. Incorporating appropriate weight, balance, size, and function while delivering an optimal experience isn’t left to chance.
An effective aviation tool is developed by running rigorous tests on metal strength, identifying the proper shape, feel, and comfort, and executing minuscule fine-tuning of the design as it relates to performance.
For example, a tool will be created differently if it needs to fit in a confined space versus one that is not. Such a tool, like a flat nose pliers with a bent tip, must be able to execute precise movements in a small space yet designed to cause minimal fatigue because of proper weight and grip. A proper ergonomic design should reduce the strain on the user even if the task is challenging.
Scientific research and testing of medical tools can lead to new developments and successes in the aviation tool arena. Attention to ergonomics can improve the likelihood of success.
Science + Experience
While lab research and testing are critical to proper ergonomics, working with individuals in the medical field and understanding how they use tools every day is another important area of research and development. An aviation technician’s years of experience can help determine what should and should not go into the tool and its ergonomic design.
On paper, “the perfect” hand tool might be created, but once placed in a technician’s hand, areas of improvement can be discovered. Real-world applications often provide the best intel. For example, if a tool is repeatedly used with a certain angle of approach, that might impact overall weight, balance, grip, and shape.
Factors like hand size, workstation configuration, and ambient temperature and humidity can change how a tool needs to function, as well. A technician using a tool in an aviation setting is often the only way to hone the finished product.
Professional feedback can improve the overall design, ergonomics, and performance.
Function, feel, and safety
Creating an ergonomic design is achieved by equally understanding the tool’s function and how it physically impacts the user. While lost work time and disability claims are important considerations, one of the most influential motives in a purchasing decision is if the tool hurts or helps worker safety.
An important safety aspect of a quality tool is whether it is certified ESD (electrostatic discharge) safe. An electrostatic discharge occurs when one object (human or technological) transfers its charge, resulting in damage to the object worked on, as well as injury to the operator. An ESD-certified tool, typically created with a two-component synthetic material in the handle, stops the sudden flow of electrons between two objects and eliminates the discharge.
ESD is more harmful than many in the aviation maintenance industry realize. Because it’s difficult to see and feel the damage occurring, injuries might not be perceptible. Over time, this can result in hidden yet significant trauma.
To improve worker safety, facilities that contain electrostatically sensitive products, equipment, and supplies must use certified ESD equipment to protect their employees and safeguard their products from damage.
The Importance of Ergonomics
If fatigue, pain, and injury restrict operator productivity and decrease the enjoyment of everyday life at work, home, or during leisure activities, it negatively impacts an entire organization.
Employees who understand ergonomics recognize when they are given instruments that provide the best results for their health and safety. It can encourage a culture of care and safety where employees feel appreciated.
When aviation technicians can use quality, ergonomic tools, the instances of fatigue and injury decrease, lost time and increased claim costs diminish, and overall operator health and satisfaction contribute to a better, safer work environment.
References
1. Ergonomics - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)
Ian Weber is an expert in the field of medical tools and manages sales of Lindström Precision Tools, the standard in the field of medical device manufacturing. [email protected]
In the U.S., visit https://www.lindstromtools.com/us_en/ for more information.
