Hand tool evaluation: a review of existing hand tool evaluation and selection studies
by Zhonglun Wang; Richard T. Stone; Joseph Yun-Ming Kim
International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (IJHFE), Vol. 10, No. 1, 2023

Abstract: Hand tools were designed to increase workplace efficiency by improving work performance, preventing injuries, and increasing product quality. However, improper tool selection can cause costly losses and long-term decreases in productivity and safety. To prevent this, hand tool selection should be based on both engineering and ergonomics evaluations. This literature review provided a literature foundation for creating such hand tool selection method by reviewing over 100 hand tool research articles from 1945 to 2020 and categorised them into two categories: comprehensive hand tool evaluation systems and ergonomics hand tool evaluation studies. The literature from the two categories' research topics was summarised in two tables. Existing hand tool evaluation systems emphasised hand tool design and hazard outputs; ergonomics hand tool studies focused on users' feedback and user-tool performance. It became apparent that no comprehensive evaluation method reveals that no system can adequately provide buyers with sufficient information to make reasonable purchasing decisions. This literature review revealed the limitations of existing hand tool evaluation systems and ergonomics hand tool studies, presenting the future need for a financially-oriented, comprehensive hand tool evaluation system.

Online publication date: Thu, 26-Jan-2023

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (IJHFE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com