title: Ergonomics evaluation of user-hand tool interaction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An in-depth evaluation of user hand tool interaction aids to derive strenuous areas for redesigning.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this paper, we examined user perception about the hand tool features and derived features that exert an influence on human system. This nature of study aids to reduce the risk and enhance the comfort.
  
  
  METHODS
  Workers from six occupational groups participated in the study. Ergonomic checkpoints pertaining tool features and a general health questionnaire that included musculoskeletal discomforts, stress symptoms and general health complaints were administered to check user's interaction with hand tools.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Risk estimates identified varied factors such as weight of tool, improperly designed handle and sharp edges associated with workers risk to pain in upper extremities, anxiety and injury. The workers' response indicated that handle redesign and protection against sharp-edged tools are crucial for improving comfort.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study aims to provide an approach to examine the characteristics of tools for redesign and increase user's comfort and safety.
authors.affiliation: NIFT Campus, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Dharamsala, Mangatuparamaba, Kannur, India.|National Institute of Occupational Health, India.
authors.forename: Heer
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vyas
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Occupational Health, India.
authors.forename: Anjali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nag
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Occupational Health, India.
authors.forename: Pranab
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nag
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries; D017132:Workplace / Q000592:standards
keywords: Pain; handle; injury; shape; weight