In this webinar
Arborists have a 15 times greater risk of fatality and three times greater risk of non-fatal injury when compared to the North American average. Workers are not only exposed to repetitive tasks with forceful exertions, but also vibration, noise, and environmental factors, which all contribute to the risk of injury.
This webinar will share the results of research that examined hand-arm vibration to the upper extremity in arborists while completing common tree abatement tasks, as well as the effects of these exposures on fine motor control. The results of this research have implications for cut types and directions that have the largest vibration transmission to workers, providing a first step for work practices that reduce overall vibration exposure in arborists.
About the presenters
Dr. Michael Holmes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Brock University where he holds a Canada Research Chair in Neuromuscular Mechanics and Ergonomics.
The overall goal of Dr. Holmes’ research program is to exploit an interdisciplinary approach that combines techniques from neurophysiology and biomechanics to identify mechanisms of fatigue, injury and pain. By improving our understanding of injury development and progression, the Holmes Lab aims to optimize human performance at work and sport by developing recommendations to minimize the risk of injury, maximize performance and inform safe work practices.
Lex Napper has a BKin and MSc from Brock University. Supported through both CRE-MSD and the CSA Group, her research is focused on the physical demands associated with the arboriculture industry, more specifically the risks associated with chainsaw use and vibration exposure. She is an Associate Ergonomist (AE) and is currently working as an ergonomist in Southern Ontario.
Registration
This is a free webinar, but registration is required to reserve your spot. Please complete the below registration form. The webinar login details will be emailed to you the week of the webinar.
For assistance, please contact Betina Butler at bbutler@uwaterloo.ca.
Disclaimer: CRE-MSD receives funding through a grant provided by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. The views expressed are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect those of the Centre nor of the Province of Ontario.