Page 3 of Dotco Ergonomics by Cooper Power Tools

improving job ergonomics and worker safety is your responsibility too bringing ergonomic advancements into power tool design can go a long way toward improving worker productivity and safety but they won t do it alone in addition to the choice of tools both the organization of the work to be done and the work habits of tool users deserve in-depth consideration s devote time to training new workers and continue training existing workers with emphasis on work-health issues s expanding individuals tasks beyond a single function ­ that is job enlargement ­ can help relieve chronic repetition s cross-training and job rotation are other ways to avoid overly repetitive tasks and provide rest for sensitive muscle groups an optional exhaust overhose is available for dotco tools as shown here on a 12r91 series precision turbine this allows the exhaust to be routed away from the operator for improved comfort optional overhose directs exhaust noise away from operator single hand operation for ease of use what s your role here s a checklist s let fellow employees know you re concerned about safety work with employees to study work functions and strive to properly match tool and task s make sure ergonomic tools are used in the manner for which they re designed ­ to take full advantage of their injury-prevention features s workers may initially resist using ergonomic tools in favor of old familiar designs short-term comfort is nothing compared to long-term health s when possible modify work practices to keep vibration exposure to a minimum s encourage use of vibration-dampening gloves and other protective clothing when possible s if possible design tasks appropriate for completion by both hands soft grip provides s reposition work to assure that workers avoid wrist flexing and wrist extension tasks ­ and promote the use of right-angled tools wherever appropriate noise vibration and temperature insulation for operator comfort s use automation to eliminate frequent high-frequency hand movements for manual tasks s carefully evaluate other work-environment factors such as lighting and room temperature s encourage regular medical monitoring for vibration tool users to assure early detection and treatment of possible injuries s pay attention to working posture and workstation setups to avoid unnecessary reaching bending twisting and lifting dotco sanders are available with various vacuum arrangements to best meet the needs of the application ­ central vacuum with vacuum attachment and shroud as well as self-generated vacuum with floor bag s mount heavy tools on automatic retractors or overhead balancers when possible ­ and insist that materials be kept within easy reach workers with proper posture positioned properly in relation to the workpiece s promote correct posture and proper positioning of the workstation to eliminate the risks of extended-elbow and bent-back tasks multiple grip lengths are provided to match the tool to various hand sizes many of our tools both assembly and material removal are available with oilless blades where a clean work environment is important.

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