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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2016 Manufacturing (Poultry products) |
| Work setting and tasks | Poultry processing plant. Focus on workers engaged in tasks of cutting, eviscerating, and deboning carcasses as compared with those in lesser manual stress jobs. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found | Upper extremity (hand/wrist and elbow) disorders as well as tension neck problems. |
| Ergonomic risk factors found | Repetitive and forceful motions extreme and awkward postures of the upper extremities. Machine-paced work. |
| Recommendations | Engineering controls included restructuring jobs, use of mechanical devices to aid deboning and cutting tasks, and workstation changes to accommodate workers of varying sizes. New worker training, practice in proper cutting techniques, use of job rotation, and rest breaks to relieve fatigue were underscored. Suggested ways to improve medical management practices included better medical surveillance, employee education in symptom recognition, and cautions on treatment regarding use of drug therapy, splints, and restricted duty. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. | HETA 89–307–2009 NTIS order no. PB–91–104–620 |