A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders
|
|
Elements of Ergonomics Programs A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders |
|
Toolbox Tray 1-A: NIOSH Investigations of WMSDs in Work Settings |
| Standard industrial classification
|
3612 Manufacturing (Electric distribution equipment) |
| Work setting and tasks | Manufacture of high voltage and instrument transformers. Winding, wrapping, taping, and paper pulling operations were tasks under study. |
| Work-related musculoskeletal problems found | Upper extremities (hand/wrist, shoulder, neck), low back and hip. |
| Ergonomic risk factors found | Awkward postures causing extreme bending and reaching, static standing, and forceful pulling actions. |
| Recommendations | Provide more height adjustable features to equipment and adjustable fixtures to relieve postural stresses. Reconfigure work areas to ease materials access and handling tasks. Design job rotation and rest break schedules to relieve most fatiguing work tasks. Educate workers in early signs of WMSDs. |
| HETA/NTIS reference no. | HETA 93–0233–2498 NTIS order no. PB–95–269–973 |