Musculoskeletal
injuries, such as strains and sprains, can occur when a welder is welding in a sustained
or awkward position with a heavy face shield. This can be further perpetuated
when both a hard hat and a welding helmet are used in combination. In addition,
by working long hours in a repetitive position, cumulative effects may occur in
the neck that increases the risk of injury.
Welding helmets, worn for protection and weighing as much as
3 lb in some cases, place an additional load on the neck. Wearing a helmet down
and standing in a common position for welding generates a lot of stress on the
neck and upper back. A welder in this position may be generating more than 50
lb of internal force on his or her neck and back.
Guidelines For A Good Working
Posture While Welding
• Learn to
recognize symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal
disorders or repetitive strain injuries. Make sure you take breaks and avoid
staying in any sustained posture for too long.
• Always use your
hand to lower your helmet. Do not use
a "jerking" motion of your neck and head.
• Position the
welding item as flat as possible, on a horizontal
surface, between waist and elbow height. Try to position scaffolding at a
comfortable height to allow working
in a seated position.
• Always store
materials and tools within normal reach.
Resources
1. Musculoskeletal
injuries in Welders. Labour Department, Government of Canada.
2. American Welding Society. http://www.aws.org/wj/dec02/feature3.html
3. Malikraj, S., A.K. Ganguly,
and T.S. Kumar. Productivity Improvement Potential Analysis Through Ergonomic
Intervention in Arc Welding. 2010. Technology Today Quarterly Journal
2(4):34-44.
