Citation

Jain R, Sain MK, Meena ML, Dangayach GS, Bhardwaj A. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2018; 24(3): 347-357.

Affiliation

Department of Mechanical Engineering , Malaviya National Institute of Technology , Jaipur.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2017.1296214

PMID

28278007

Abstract

PURPOSE: In lower-middle-income countries, most of the work is performed manually using non-ergonomic hand tools which results in work-related health problems. Using hand tools designed in line with ergonomic principles may play an important role in reducing work-related health concerns significantly.

METHODS: The scientific databases (PubMed, EBSCOhost and e-publishers) were searched for articles from year 1985 to 2015 using the following keywords: hand tool, ergonomics, usability and design. After applying selection criteria to 614 articles, 58 articles related to the physical design of hand tools were selected.

RESULTS: Seventeen articles were related to hand tool improvement in manufacturing sector. Musculoskeletal disorders were found to be the most frequently occurring work-related health problems. Most of the articles focused on product and qualitative variables for improvement in hand tool, while few articles considered human and task variables.

CONCLUSIONS: Literature shows that hand tool improvement studies have been given lesser importance in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. However, some work of significance is reported in agriculture sector of these countries. Hence, it is concluded that ergonomic intervention in hand tools is much needed for the industries which employ traditional methods of working.

Language: en

Keywords

Design; Ergonomics; Hand Tool; Lower–middle–income countries; Work–related Health problems