In most industrial environments, repetitive manual tasks are an unavoidable daily requirement, with workers performing labour-intensive activities such as lifting or lowering, pushing or pulling and holding or restraining tools and other items.

Tasks that require repetitive hand and arm movement can lead to hand fatigue, which subsequently puts more stress on other parts of the body and can contribute to injury.

The true economic cost of workplace injury is more than lost wages or time. Ongoing medical expenses, lowered production and increased workers’ compensation premiums are among the more obvious and measurable aspects, but there are often hidden costs as well.

Though harder to measure, increased rates of workplace injury can contribute to heightened stress or anxiety levels among workers and potentially lessen both morale and productivity.

Identifying and managing hazard risks before issues arise will often mean recognising less obvious relationships and opting for personal protective equipment (PPE) ergonomically designed with specific conditions and tasks in mind.