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Repetitive Strain in Nonrepetitive Work: A Case Study.

Céline Chatigny¹, Ana Maria Seifert¹, Karen Messing¹

¹a Université du Québec , Canada.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics : JOSE

|January 1, 1995

Summary

This study investigated workplace risks for epicondylitis (elbow joint strain). Identifying specific job tasks and equipment design flaws can help prevent repetitive strain injuries.

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Area of Science:

Occupational Health
Ergonomics
Epidemiology

Background:

A woman in a non-traditional job developed epicondylitis, while male colleagues did not.
This prompted an investigation into job-related risk factors for epicondylitis.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify specific operations and movements that pose a risk for developing epicondylitis.
To explore the relationship between workplace design, physical strain, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Main Methods:

Worker interviews to identify difficult tasks.
Systematic workplace observations over a 4-day period.
Analysis of repetitive movements and forces exerted on the elbow joint.

Main Results:

Keywords:

case study cumulative trauma disorder epicondylitis nontraditional work women’s work

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Numerous high-risk operations for epicondylitis were identified, with some movements repeated frequently.
One worker experienced intense elbow strain due to workplace design favoring taller individuals with larger hands.
At least 61 high-risk operations per day were documented over the observation period.

Conclusions:

Workplace equipment and worksite dimensions should be adapted for a wider range of worker sizes.
Epidemiological studies on repetitive strain should consider total joint forces, not just cycle time.
Further research is needed to fully understand the multifactorial causes of workplace musculoskeletal injuries.