June 7: System Developed to Measure Vibration Forces in Workers’ Hands

IRSST researchers have developed an inexpensive system for measuring the forces exerted between a user’s hand and the handle of a vibrating portable power tool. The results of usability testing on the system with real vibrating tools in a context simulating field conditions were positive. This hand-handle coupling-force measurement system uses thin, flexible, resistive sensors that can be adjusted to the size of different power tool handles. According to the researchers, this advance will make it easier to assess the risk of injury associated with the use of various types of tools.