Left-handers are at increased risk in the workplace. Even if it is hard to imagine, left-handers have a Handicap .
Left or right?
Employers and colleagues often do not consciously perceive this and usually the left-hander adapts quickly to his situation. But some activities are unpleasant for left-handers or can only be done with cognitive effort. Many devices that seem ergonomic and normal to right-handed people can pose dangers for left-handed people. Since the handling of some tools, according to the manufacturer's specifications, does not correspond to the preferred working methods of left-handers, accidents can also happen.
Working as a left-hander
Often, locking buttons and other settings are on the left side of the device, which often leads to them being pressed accidentally. Other disadvantages of right-handed products are that the subordinate hand usually reacts more slowly, is weaker and the fine motor skills are not as pronounced. This can lead to unnatural postures, cramps or uncomfortable workflows in left-handed people.
Left-handers and occupational safety
With regard to occupational safety: Left-handers are sometimes disadvantaged in the workplace, and their risk of accidents is also considered higher. Weaker, slower or more uncomfortable working postures result in errors and accidents. If, for example, an emergency stop button is attached to the wrong side for left-handers, the reaction in a dangerous situation may come a fraction too late. However, such incidents are rarely documented and the number of unreported cases is probably much higher. A big problem is of course that due to too little demand, the manufacturing costs for left-handed devices are far too unprofitable. Such inequality is also evident in our language. Phrases such as "two left hands" or "awkward" are synonyms for clumsy behavior.
A few more tips for supervisors and safety specialists:
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- attach a label, a scale, a safety indicator, etc. in such a way that a left-hander does not automatically cover it when operating it with his arm
- Clearly identify work equipment that occurs in right- and left-handed variants
- Adapt workflows for left-handers
- Attach the bulb in such a way that left-handers do not automatically work in the shadow of their own arm
- Position emergency stop elements for both left- and right-handed users in a way that is equally accessible
- If possible, convert machines with asymmetrical handling so that a switch to left-handed operation is possible
- When purchasing devices, make sure that they are designed for right- and left-hand use, e.g. by replugging a handle
- When purchasing rotating machines, pay attention to a clockwise and clockwise rotation function
To all left-handers, let me say: You are right the way you are!