Industrial Nuclear Power Plant professionals risk life and limb every day to keep the lights on at night. The complex tasks these workers must complete day after day put increased strain on their bodi..
Industrial Nuclear Power Plant professionals risk life and limb every day to keep the lights on at night. The complex tasks these workers must complete day after day put increased strain on their bodies and overtime can result in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD). For this case study, a combination of interviews and surveys were used to gather information on our subject’s general body part discomfort. Common tasks performed by an Industrial Power Plant Pipefitter were then assessed using the Moore-Garg Strain Index and the Threshold Limit Value for Hand Activity (TLV) to determine potential risk of WMSDs. The results of both assessments showed that the tasks as hazardous or potentially hazardous. Based on the results of the ergonomic assessments as well as the interview and survey a list of future recommendations was compiled to reduce the ergonomic risks associated with pipefitting. These recommendations include vibration suppression equipment, external body mounts to distribute weight, and more efficient power tools to reduce strain on the worker.
