Reaching for equipment can be difficult for people who have limited movement in their arms and hands, back or neck pain, physical disability or any other condition that makes reaching difficult. Reaching can cause pain, strain or simply may not be possible due to physical limitations.
The human body is designed to perform various activities by adopting numerous postures throughout the day however, repetitive reaching or over reaching can also have adverse effects on the healthy body.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
It is important in each job to minimise the risks or the difficulties associated with reaching. Where possible, the job and work environment should be designed to fit the worker’s abilities considering:
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Elimination and substitution: consider completely removing or eliminating the worker’s requirement to reach by job redesign
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Minimisation: decrease the frequency of reaching during the day
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Engineering: for example use of raised work platforms or step stools
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Administration: modification of work systems and practices, e.g. job rotation, good housekeeping, location of products in mid-range
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Training/Supervision: ensuring workers operate equipment safely and adopt safe work practices.
Safe work practice recommendations to avoid over reaching and twisting:
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place frequently used objects and tools within easy reach and in mid-range of the body
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if a person is sitting, it is recommended they stand to reach objects outside of their comfortable reach zone
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if a person is standing, a step stool or platform may be required to reach objects outside their comfortable reach zone
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locate hand operated controls, switches and levers between elbow and shoulder height of the worker.
Other safe work practice recommendations include:
There are a number of products, aids and supports to assist people to reach or minimise the risks associated with reaching. When working in jobs where answering the telephone is a large part of the role, such as in a call centre, there are a variety of supports available such as hands free telephones and accessible call centre systems:
Reachers, step stools and order pickers can assist people to pick up items that are high or above their head:
To assist people to maintain their personal care and appearance there are also supports and aids for showering and bathing and also personal hygiene and grooming aids:
References
Australian Safety and Compensation Council 2007, OHS Practical Solutions Database, Australian Safety and Compensation Council, Canberra, viewed 2 May 2007, <www.ascc.gov.au> and <http://www.nohsc.gov.au/OHSInformation/Databases/OHSSolutions/hierarchy.htm>.
Ciccarelli, M 2006, Overview of Occupational Safety & Health Issues in Western Australia: Occupational Therapy Notes, Curtin University of Technology, Perth.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc, viewed 3 May 2007, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org>.
Lechner, D 1999, ErgoScience: Job Demands Analysis, University of Alabama, Albama.
WorkCover New South Wales 2007, OHS Hazards, New South Wales Government, Sydney, viewed 3 May 2007, http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publications/OHS/Hazards/hazardhierarchy.htm.