Glove selection to minimize effort and MSD risk
Author
Richard Wells
Key messages
- Manual work with gloves requires greater effort than the same work without gloves.
- Glove material, thickness, stiffness and friction are key determinants of the effort required
- Well-fitting gloves are important for getting the best out of a glove
- Ask why a glove is necessary and where possible redesign the task to be done without a glove
Implications for the Prevention of MSD
- The grip force required to perform a task is the primary risk factor for development of MSD of the hand and forearm
- Reducing the effort required of a worker by careful selection of a glove is an appropriate MSD preventive action