GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNING JOBS FEATURING REPETITIVE TASKS

Preventive measures aimed at minimizing the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs (WMSDs) associated with repetitive tasks can be divided into three categories: structural, org anizational and educational. Whenever specific risk and injury assessm ents have shown the need for preventive action, this is most often imp lemented within the framework of a range of assorted measures. In part icular, structural measures involve optimizing the layout of the work area and furnishings, and the 'ergonomic' properties of work tools and equipment. Such measures serve to alleviate the problems caused by th e use of excessive force and awkward postures. The authors refer to th e principles guiding such structural measures, in the light of the ext ensive literature that has been published on the subject. Organization al (or reorganizational) measures essentially relate to job design (i. e. distribution of tasks, speeds and pauses). They serve to alleviate problems connected with highly repetitive and frequent actions, excess ively lengthy tasks and inadequate recovery periods. Very few relevant findings are available: the authors therefore illustrate in some deta il a practical trial conducted in a major engineering firm. The object ive was to lower to acceptable limits the frequency of certain repetit ive tasks performed using the upper limbs. The trial made it possible to identify a suitable plan and schedule of measures taking into due c onsideration the impact of the plan on production levels (and costs). The fundamental principles guiding the adoption of specific educationa l and training programmes for the workers and their supervisors are pr esented and discussed.