Simulation of the After-Reach Hazard on Dual Palm Button Workstations

Abstract

This paper describes a study of the after-reach hazard using a power press simulator. The after-reach hazard occurs when a worker reaches into the point of operation on a power press after initiating the downstroke of the press ram. The hand reaching capabilities of industrial power press operators were measured to quantify hand reach speed and to determine variables which may affect after-reach movement times. The results of this study identified three variables which may be important in characterizing a worker's ability to make rapid hand reach movements: age, gender, and the location of the dual palm button workstation. Another key finding was that male workers, 30 years of age and younger, had the fastest hand reach speed of all groups tested and appear to be at the greatest risk of sustaining a traumatic injury due to the after-reach hazard.