The power to cut pain
The introduction of an ergonomics improvement programme for powerline workers has helped reduce their pain levels by up to 25%. Handling overhead, high-voltage electrical cables is a physically demanding role and operators are at high risk of suffering work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs).
One survey of 30 powerline workers in Brazil found that nearly nine out of 10 (87%) had experienced symptoms in the previous year. But interventions such as training to adopt safer postures and engineering design changes have shown positive results in reducing suffering.
Musculoskeletal discomfort decreased by 25% in the hands and wrists, 12.5% in the shoulders, arms and lower back and 6.3% in the neck, upper back, hips, knees, feet and ankles, a study found.
Following an assessment of tasks and discussions with operators, engineering design changes were implemented, along with an ergonomics training programme. These design changes aimed to reduce the physical load on operators and included replacing a hand wrench with an electric wrench to reduce awkward and repetitive wrist postures. A trolley cart for setting out and collecting traffic cones to reduce the risk associated with manual handling was also developed.
Ergonomics training was carried out on-site and included awareness of hazards and appropriate working practices to reduce the risk of injury. It also incorporated practical, hands-on advice on using the newly developed equipment.
The study, published in the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, said: “The implementation of engineering-designed changes combined with ergonomics training was effective in reducing the short-term risks associated with WRMSDs. The evaluation of tasks pre- and post-intervention indicated improvements in the working practices and postures of workers. The interventions also led to a reduction in WRMSD symptom reporting and the musculoskeletal risk levels for those tasks analysed.”
The study authors added that “further work is needed to determine the long-term effects of ergonomic interventions on the occupational health of powerline workers, along with the development of strategies for addressing the broader range of risk factors”.
