Affiliations: [a] NIFT Campus, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Dharamsala, Mangatuparamaba, Kannur, India
| [b]
National Institute of Occupational Health, India
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Heer Vyas, NIFT Campus, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Dharamsala, Mangatuparamaba, Kannur, India. Tel.: +91 497 278 4780; E-mails: heervyas4@gmail.com; heerpvyas@gmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:An in-depth evaluation of user hand tool interaction aids to derive strenuous areas for redesigning. OBJECTIVE:In this paper, we examined user perception about the hand tool features and derived features that exert an influence on human system. This nature of study aids to reduce the risk and enhance the comfort. METHODS:Workers from six occupational groups participated in the study. Ergonomic checkpoints pertaining tool features and a general health questionnaire that included musculoskeletal discomforts, stress symptoms and general health complaints were administered to check user’s interaction with hand tools. RESULTS:Risk estimates identified varied factors such as weight of tool, improperly designed handle and sharp edges associated with workers risk to pain in upper extremities, anxiety and injury. The workers’ response indicated that handle redesign and protection against sharp-edged tools are crucial for improving comfort. CONCLUSION:The study aims to provide an approach to examine the characteristics of tools for redesign and increase user’s comfort and safety.
