Ergonomic design of handheld tools to prevent trauma to the hand and upper extremity

Abstract This article provides a literature review of the ergonomic design of handheld tools. Too often the handle of the tool that connects the worker to his or her work becomes the cause of cumulative trauma within industry. With increasing costs of workers’ compensation, increasing work-related injuries, and increasing need for biomechanical alterations of work station designs, industries are developing new strategies. Safety and personnel managers are now more likely to ask for budgets that include work-station analysis to reduce the incidence of cumulative trauma. This article presents the correct ergonomic design of tools and work stations for work analyses.