Repetitive work of the upper extremity: Part I—Guidelines for the practitioner

* The recommendations provided in this guide are based on numerous published and unpublished scientific studies and are intended to enhance worker safety and productivity. These recommendations are neither intended to replace existing standards, if any, nor should be treated as standards. Furthermore, this document should not be construed to represent institutional policy. The following individuals participated in the discussion of the earlier version of this guide. Their suggestions (written or verbal) were incorporated by the authors in this version: Arne Aaras, Norway; Fred Aghazadeh, USA; Roland Andersson, Sweden; Jan Dul, The Netherlands; Jeffrey Fernandez, USA; Ingvar Holm6r, Sweden; Matthias J~ger, Germany; Anders Kjellberg, Sweden; Olli Korhonen, Finland; Helmut Krueger, Switzerland; Shrawan Kumar, Canada; Ulf Landstr6m, Sweden; Tom Leamon, USA; Anil Mital, USA; Ruth Nielsen, Denmark; Jerry Ramsey, USA; Murray Sinclair, UK; Rolf Westgaard, Norway; Ann Williamson, Australia; JCrgen Winkel, Sweden; Pia Z~itterstr6m, Sweden. The guide was also reviewed in depth by several anonymous reviewers. The aim of this guideline is to provide assistance in primary and secondary prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities, associated with repetitive work. Repetitive work occurs in industry, in offices and in many service jobs like e.g. cleaning and catering. The guideline applies to design of new work stations and work organizations, as well as to work redesign when repetitive work occurs and when certain musculoskeletal disorders have arisen.