create me a toolbox talk based on MSI for traffic control

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# Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) (cont.) ## What are work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)? (cont.) WMSDs are very difficult to define within traditional disease classifications. These disorders have received many names, such as: - Repetitive motion injuries. - Repetitive strain injuries. - Cumulative trauma disorders. - Occupational cervicobrachial disorders. - Overuse syndrome. - Regional musculoskeletal disorders. - Soft tissue disorders. Most of the names do not accurately describe the disorders. For example, the term "repetitive strain injuries" suggests that repetition causes these disorders, but awkward postures also contribute. Sometimes, these terms are used interchangeably. For simplicity, the WMSD term is used in this document. ## What are the risk factors for WMSDs? WMSDs arise from movements such as bending, straightening, gripping, holding, twisting, clenching, and reaching. These common movements are not particularly harmful in the ordinary activities of daily life. What makes them hazardous in work situations is the continual repetition, often in a forceful manner, the speed of the movements, and the lack of time for recovery. WMSDs are associated with work patterns that include: - Fixed or constrained body positions. - Continual repetition of movements. Force concentrated - on specific parts of the body, such as the hand or wrist. - A pace of work that does not allow sufficient recovery between movements. WMSDs commonly occur as a result of a combination and interaction among these factors. Heat, cold, and vibration also contribute to the development of WMSDs. To read more about the WMSD risk factors, visit our OSH Answers document Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) - Risk Factors. ## How do WMSDs occur? This document discusses WMSDs that develop gradually as a result of repeated trauma. Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) CCOHS

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Hand Tool Ergonomics # Hand Tool Ergonomics - Health Hazards On this page What are the main health concerns in working with hand tools? What factors, when working with hand tools, can cause injury? ## What are the main health concerns in working with hand tools? Along with common injuries such as cuts, lacerations, and bruises, the frequent and prolonged use of hand tools can cause soreness, aches, pains, and fatigue. These injuries, which, when ignored, can lead to chronic musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). The most common examples of these work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are tendonitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervain's syndrome. You can find prevention tips in the documents listed above, as well as in other OSH Answers documents, including: - Working in a Sitting Position - Working in a Standing Position - Cabinet Manufacturing - Carpenter ## What factors, when working with hand tools, can cause injury? Several work factors can affect the health and performance of hand tool users. Major ones include: - static load on arms and upper body muscles - awkward working positions and body postures - tissue compression Hand Tool Ergonomics Health Hazards CCOHS

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# How is traffic control managed? Traffic control is managed through three systems: - traffic control devices: signs, signals, lighting, flares, blocker trucks, crash trucks, pavement markings, channelizing devices, barriers, barricades, etc. - traffic control layout - traffic control persons, which includes their responsibilities, conduct, clothing, equipment, communications, and safety Wherever possible, the hierarchy of controls should be used. Elimination Controls: Ideally, the elimination of the hazards should start at the design phase by considering structures, materials, processes, and measures that would allow for minimal and safe maintenance. When planning a work activity that would close part of the road, consider if it is possible to close the road completely. Are alternate routes available? Engineering Controls: If total closure is not possible, physically separate the workers and the vehicles. Use barriers or other devices to channel traffic, and, where possible, provide a physical separation between the work zone and passing traffic. Install overhead lighting to illuminate the workplace if working overnight or in low-light conditions. Administrative controls: In addition to engineering controls, develop a written traffic management plan. If possible, plan most of the work during non-peak hours or nighttime when the traffic is light. Try to coordinate road work with other necessary works (e.g., tree clearing) to minimize the length of time the road is obstructed. Appoint a competent supervisor to establish and monitor the work zone. Communicate the plan to the workers, and train the workers who will work, set up, install, and remove the signals or barriers in the area. Attention must be given to the setup and installation phase since those workers will be exposed to an increased risk of injury. Personal Protective Equipment: Workers must wear personal protective equipment, including high visibility clothing as appropriate for the situation and…

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# Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) (cont.) ## Application of Heat or Cold (cont.) Heat is recommended for muscle pain relief. It increases the flow of blood, which facilitates the elimination of lactic acid buildup. However, it is not recommended for injuries with significant inflammation and swelling. ## Exercise Stretching is beneficial because it promotes circulation and reduces muscle tension. However, people suffering from WMSDs should consult a physical therapist before exercising. Stretching or exercise programs can aggravate the existing condition if not properly designed. ## Medication and Surgery Anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and inflammation. If all other approaches fail, a doctor may try more elaborate treatments or even surgery. ## How can we prevent WMSDs? Hazards are best eliminated at the source; this approach is a fundamental principle of occupational health and safety. In the case of WMSDs, the prime source of hazard is the repetitiveness of work. Other components of work, such as the applied force, fixed body positions, and the pace of work, are also contributing factors. Therefore, the main effort to protect workers from WMSDs should focus on avoiding repetitive patterns of work through job design, which may include mechanization, job rotation, job enlargement and enrichment or teamwork. Where elimination of the repetitive patterns of work is not possible or practical, prevention strategies involving workplace layout, tool and equipment design, and work practices should be considered. Job Design ## Mechanization One way to eliminate repetitive tasks is to mechanize the job. Where mechanization is not feasible or appropriate, other alternatives are available. ## Job Rotation Job rotation is one possible approach. It requires workers to move between different tasks at fixed or irregular periods of time. But it must be a rotation where workers do something completely different. Different tasks must engage differe…

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# How is traffic control managed? (cont.) ## What kind of safety devices are used in traffic control layouts? (cont.) Temporary crash cushions absorb the energy of a collision, have the advantage of being easily restored, and can be used in temporary situations where quick setup and removal the work zone is needed. ## What type of personal protection equipment is recommended? The personal protection equipment must be adequate for the job. Road workers should generally wear a hard hat with retro-reflective striping, CSA-certified protective footwear, and a highly visible vest or clothing. In general, you should wear high-visibility clothing that complies with the CSA Standard Z96-22 High-Visibility Safety Apparel. Consult the CSA Standard or check with your provincial legislation for specific requirements. What are general tips when working on or near roads? - Do not work on the edge or outside of the work zone. - Do not unload or load a vehicle from the side with active traffic. - Work facing oncoming traffic. - Appoint, as necessary, a traffic control person who meets the training requirements established by the regulatory body. - If a traffic control person is deemed necessary, place a sign in advance of the person to indicate their presence. In an emergency situation, placement of signs may not be possible. Ensure the traffic control person is clearly visible. - As a driver of a work vehicle, avoid backing up. If backing up is required, reverse slowly. Use a signaller to increase safety. - Use vehicles and mobile equipment equipped with warning devices when backing up. - Control the release of dust that may reduce visibility by periodically spraying the area with water. - Wear appropriate personal protection equipment, and make sure that the equipment is maintained in good order. - Make sure that the work vehicles are highly visible, and clean. Consider marking the sides and rear of the vehicle with retro-reflective tape. - Place lighting eq…

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# How do repetitiveness and pace of work influence WMSDs? (cont.) ## What should I know about forceful movements and heavy loads? (cont.) Figure 10A - Lifting in a "hook" Figure 10B - Hook position The shape of the tool also plays an important role. Tools that do not allow a neutral position of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder substantially increase the force required. Worn and poorly maintained tools are also very important yet often overlooked. For example, a worn screwdriver, pliers with worn jaws, or dull scissors can increase the operating force by tenfold. Although no one really knows when WMSDs will develop, workers performing forceful movements are at risk. Work involving forceful movements is very tiring again because there is not enough time for a full recovery between movements. Eventually, it takes more effort to perform the same task. When the work activity continues in spite of the developing fatigue, injuries occur. ## How does vibration encourage WMSDs? Vibration affects tendons, muscles, joints, and nerves. Workers can be exposed to whole- body vibration or localized vibration. Whole-body vibration is experienced by truck and bus drivers, for example. Localized vibration exposure can be caused by power tools. Common symptoms are numbness of the fingers, loss of touch and grip, and pain. In addition, the worker may use more force and awkward body positions because vibration hand tools are harder to control. Exposure to too much vibration can also cause workers to lose the feeling in their hands and arms. As a result, workers may misjudge the amount of force they need to control the tools and use too much, which increases fatigue. Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) - Risk Factors CCOHS

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# Hand Tool Ergonomics - Health Hazards (cont.) ## What factors, when working with hand tools, can cause injury? (cont.) vibration ## Static load Static load or effort occurs when muscles are kept tense and motionless. Examples of static effort include holding the arms elevated (Figure 1a), or extended forwards or sideways (Figure 1b). (Try holding your arm straight out in front of you for a few minutes. Put any object in your outstretched hand, and its weight will exponentially add to the static effort.) Bending and twisting the neck or the whole torso can also increase static load considerably. Add the exertion of force required by hand tools, and static load can increase still further (Figure 1c). Figure 1a Figure 1b Figure 1c Hand Tool Ergonomics - Health Hazards CCOHS