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RSI Reduction in UHN Housekeepers via Modifications to Wringing Process and Mechanism
Problem Statement and Scope of Design
The focus of this project is the reduction of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) in University Health Network (UHN) Housekeepers, which is directly caused by their mop wringing methods. Therefore, we have redesigned the wringing mechanism so that it is less likely to cause RSI. A comparison of the current (Figure 1) and the improved (Figure 2) wringing postures is shown on the right.

Key Design Elements

Dimensions:
Length: 35cm Width: 30cm Height: 25cm

This design utilizes similar dimensions currently in use at UHN Figure 2. Improved facilities. These dimensions are Figure 1. Original Wringing Position Wringing Position necessary to ensure that the design fits onto the cleaning cart in the same manner as the current mop wringers. This is important for some UHN housekeepers who prefer their mopping units to remain on the cleaning cart at all times. The 25cm height is taken directly from the commonly used UHN mop buckets and the 35cm by 30cm bucket dimensions have been chosen to fit the bucket onto the rectangular bottom shelf of the cart [1]. While this length and width provide a similar opening area as the original mop bucket, the rectangular dimensions allow for a more accessible area to soak the mop. Material Choice: Stainless Steel [2] The material choices are maintained to ensure that the sanitation standards required by the UHN and IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) are met. Additionally, it is confirmed that the current materials are capable of containing any UHN cleaning chemicals (such as Hydrogen Peroxide). Foot Pedal: The hand-operated lever mechanism originally employed in the UHN mop buckets has been replaced by a foot pedal centered on the long side of the rectangular bucket. This allows UHN housekeepers to access the foot pedal with either foot. This reallocation of repetitive motion from the upper body to the leg and feet reduces the RSI potential as the lower body is constantly used to support the body, and is stronger and more resilient [3].

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The height of the foot pedal is adjustable to account for the optional placement of the mopping unit on top of the cleaning cart. This height must remain between 4 and 7.5 inches at all times to satisfy optimal human stepping height [4]. Additionally, a tread has been chosen from several tire patterns to provide sufficient grip when wet [5]. Pedal to Wringing Displacement Ratio: The ratio of the displacement of the foot pedal to the displacement of the wringing clamp is determined by the length of two metal beams and their orientations on a rotatable lever. An appropriate set of values has been chosen in order to allow for balance between minimal downward movement (must be at least 4 inches) and maximal clamp displacement.

Design Effectiveness
Three key causes of RSI in UHN housekeepers have been identified by the design team. They are the following: 1. Poor mop wringing posture (i.e. bending back, one arm constantly lifting the mop). 2. Large force required to wring mop effectively, relative to the human arm strength. 3. Much repetition required, relative to the fatigue limit of human arms. Wringing mops with a foot pedal effectively reduces RSI and accomplishes the following: 1. Allows the user to straighten their back during the wringing cycle and lift the mop with both arms. 2. Human legs on average can exert greater force and are more resilient to fatigue than human arms.

References
[1] P. Kerz, Interviewee, [Interview]. 10 March 2014. [2] Royce Rolls Ringer Company, "Wheeled Bucket & Wringer Units," [Online]. Available: http://www.roycerolls.net/p11.html. [Accessed 06 04 2014]. [3] Medical News Today, "What is Repetititve Strain Injury?," 19 1 2010. [Online]. Available: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176443.php. [Accessed 20 03 2014]. [4] California Department of Industrial Relations, "California Code of Regulations, Stairways," California Department of Industrial Relations. [5] Tire Rack, "Tire Tech Information," [Online]. Available: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=180. [Accessed 20 03 2014].

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