Abstract

MSD and loss of static muscular strength is one of the most common work-related problems among handicraft workers who perform labour-intensive and repetitive jobs by hand. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the MSD risk and physical strength of glass artware workers. Digital grip dynamometers were utilised to measure the maximal hand grip and pinch strength of 120 male operators. The glass artware workers have dramatically variable levels of static muscle strength. The variation in grip strength between the right and left hands demonstrates the critical function that prolonged use of hand tools plays in developing muscle strength. These results suggest that repetitive use of hand tools causes significant variations in static muscle strength. Workers had much lower observed values of muscle strength in their dominant hand. According to this study, hand tool interventions with an ergonomic design are necessary in order to potentially prevent the progressive loss of static muscular power.