A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Elements of Ergonomics Programs A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders |
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Toolbox Tray 1-A: NIOSH Investigations of WMSDs in Work Settings |
| Standard industrial classification
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7349 Services (Business services) |
| Work setting and tasks | Janitorial employees using a back-pack vacuum cleaner in typical office cleaning work. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found | Shoulder, back, and neck discomfort. |
| Ergonomic risk factors found | Increased muscle force and disc compression owing to weight of unit and typical forward leaning postures assumed when working with the vacuum unit. |
| Recommendations | Train the workers in proper use of the vacuum unit, and periodically monitor its use and fit and any complaints. Allow the workers some flexibility in choice of equipment for a cleaning task. Use of the unit can prove difficult in a confined space. An upright unit can resolve such problems. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. | HETA 93–0805–2387 NTIS order no. PB–94–176–450 |