Quick Lube Oil
An Evaluation of Ergonomic Risks By:
Benjamin Davidson
&
Dustin Dillard
Quick Lube Oil
• Full-service, 15-point Oil & Filter Change
Includes:
• Chassis lubrication
• Check/fill transmission fluid, windshield-washer
fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and battery
fluid
• Inspect differential, tires, air filter, emission
breather, PCV valve, and brake fluid
• Vacuum interior, check wiper blades, wash
windows, oil hinges, check hoses, check belts,
check inspection stickers.
Exterior Window Cleaning
Description: Rinse and squeegee of
all exterior windows, front and rear
windshields, etc.
Evaluation: Vehicles vary in size,
some larger and harder to access
than others. Rear and front
windshields create the most stress
on the body because of location.
Risk Factors: Repetitive motion in
an awkward position in wrist,
shoulders and lower back,
overreaching, awkward placement
of weight on back.
Solutions: Step ladders help reduce
stress put on the back when an
object is held our in front of you.
Also holding onto a shorter
squeegee will put less stress on the
wrist.
Oil Level Check
Description: removing stick measurer,
whipping, and replacing to remove once
more to read accurate level of oil.
Evaluation: Placement of measuring stick
varies from vehicle to vehicle, trucks and
SUVs are harder to reach because they
are at a higher level, however cars require
more bending over.
Risk Factors: Repetitive motion in an
awkward position, burns from hot oil,
possible carpal tunnel from twisting wrist
to remove measuring stick, awkward shift
of weight on lower back.
Solutions: Working at an easier side of
the car will help. For taller vehicles a step
ladder will allow you to have more space
to work. Putting a mat or something
down on the car will prevent burns on
the employee.
Tire Pressure
Description: Remove valve stem cover,
places pressure gauge on valve stem,
inflate or deflate as per manufacturer
requirements.
Evaluation: Valve stem location may vary
though it is most commonly found on the
outer face, but can be found on the inner
side. Rim styles very which can create
difficult access.
Risk Factors: Repetitive motion in an
awkward kneeling position, awkward
placement of weight on knees,
excessively arching back, stressful on feet
and muscles in legs from unnatural
weight baring.
Solutions: Since there is stress put on
the knees and lower back, a small stool or
chair to sit will allow the individual to rest
their back not causing as much fatigue.
Oil Drain/ Filter Change
Description: Remove oil drain plug and
drain oil into drain pan and remove oil
filter, and replace. As well as lubricate all
grease fitting. All done from a confined
space below the vehicle.
Evaluation: The location of oil filters and
grease fittings vary depending on the
vehicle. Work surface is overhead and
difficult to reach, walking surface is
potentially slick.
Risk Factors: Repetitive awkward motion
in upper extremities such as shoulders
and wrists, unnatural motion in neck and
positioning. Possible burns resulting from
contact with extremely hot oil.
Solutions: Wear gloves to prevent burns
and unnecessary hazardous materials on
the skin. Static posture, having some rest
intervals will keep oxygen in the upper
extremities.
Oil Fill
Description: Remove oil cap, bring oil
supply hose from reel location, insert
in oil fill and grasp activation handle.
Remove and replace.
Evaluation: Awkward head position
because of varies hood types and
levels. Different location of filling port
causes awkward placement of arms
and wrists while grasping.
Risk Factors: Repetitive motion in an
awkward position, overreaching,
awkward placement of weight on
back. Possible carpal tunnel from
grasping of trigger mechanism.
Solutions: Having rest intervals when
performing static positions will allow
oxygen to get to those overused
muscles.
Recommendations
1. Static muscle efforts (constrained postures): when muscles is
contracted no blood is flowing through the muscle + creates
lactic acid buildup + waste products are simply no being
removed creating muscular fatigue.
• Leads to: a) higher energy consumption b) raised heart rate
c) longer rest periods
• 15-20% of maximum force will induce painful fatigue if such
loads have to be kept up for long periods of time (Nemecek
and Grandjean, 1975).
• Peak muscular strength: reached from 25-35 years. Most
older workers aged between 50 and 60 can only produce 7585% as much muscular strength.
Cont.
• Try to work as much as possible sitting.
• Proper rest intervals will allow recovery from onset muscular
fatigue.
• Employee diversification
• Use a step ladder or chair whenever possible to access a
defined area.
• Gloves and eyewear are recommended when working around
hazardous or hot material.
• Lighter tools reduce the stress put on the body, or simply
proper instructional use will improve the task.
• Try to maintain good posture as much as possible when
working and even resting.
References
• Kroemer, K.H.E. and Grandjean, E. (1997).
Fitting the Rask to the Human.
Philidelphia: Taylor and Francis, 5th Edition.
ISBN:0748406654