INDUSTRIAL HAND TOOL AND ERGONOMICS RESEARCH CONSORTIUM

Robert G. Radwin (Director) 2128 Engineering Engineering Centers Building 1550 Engineering Drive Madison, WI 53706 Tel: 608/263-4660 Fax: 608/265-9239 E-mail: radwin@engr.wisc.edu

The research in this consortium is concerned with ergonomic aspects of design, selection, installation and use of hand tools, workstations and equipment used in manufacturing and manual assembly. Guidelines are being developed for the safe and productive use of hand tools and hand-operated equipment in the workplace.

A prime emphasis is investigating the causes and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries and cumulative trauma disorders. This is accomplished by understanding the biomechanics and physiology of work through the use of biomechanical models, laboratory simulations and field studies.

Industrial Sponsors: Atlas Copco Tools Inc., Black & Decker Corp., Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, Engman-Taylor Company, Huck International, Intool Inc., Ingersoll-Rand Company, John Deere, Snap-on Inc., Milwaukee Electric, Stanley Air Tools, U.S. Air Force