OHCOW

Home Page submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Web page for the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW)

OHCOW - Ergonomics and Driving submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

It wouldn't seem that sitting in a moving vehicle would be hazardous to your health, but think: After a long drive to the cottage, are you stiff as soon as you get out of the car? ; Does your whole body feel exhausted after driving the truck all day? ; Is lifting suitcases from the trunk of your taxi harder on your back after driving your fare across town? ; Do you feel like you need a couple of minutes to stretch out your back after driving the forklift for the whole afternoon? ; Do you have pain in your back, shoulders or neck?

OHCOW - Ergonomics and Pregnancy submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

If you are a working woman and are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, the following will be of particular interest to you. This fact sheet is about pregnancy and ergonomics. Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker, rather than fitting the worker to the job. You should also be aware of the possible dangers from chemical exposures in your workplace, which can be the most harmful during the first trimester (three months) of pregnancy. The Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, Inc. can give you chemical hazard information. This factsheet is about ergonomic hazards which are a problem mainly in the last trimester (three months) of pregnancy.

OHCOW - Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Hand-arm vibration is the transfer of vibration from a tool or workpiece to a worker's hands and arms. The level of hand-arm vibration is determined by measuring the acceleration of the tool or object grasped by the worker. Hand-arm vibration syndrome is a disease that involves circulatory disturbances, sensory and motor disturbances and musculoskeletal disturbances. While it has been known since the beginning of the 20th century that vibration effects the hands and arms, it was not until 1983 that scientists agreed on a definition of HAVS that includes the circulatory, nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

OHCOW - Whole Body Vibration submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Human response to whole body vibration depends on the frequency of vibration, acceleration (or magnitude) of the vibration, and how long a person is exposed to the vibration. Because of the difficulty of evaluating the response to vibration and inconsistencies in quantitative data obtained from research, the International Standards Organization (ISO) 2631/1, Evaluation of human exposure to whole body vibration, has been established. When using these criteria and limits, it is important to bear in mind the restrictions placed upon their application. Some research indicates that the standards are not low enough and that musculoskeletal disorders are caused from exposure to vibration levels below the standard.